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    US court orders Binance founder to surrender all passports amid money laundering charges

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    Binance founder Changpeng Zhao faces tightened bond conditions as United States federal judge orders him to surrender his passport and report domestic travel.

    The presiding judge, Justice Richard A. Jones mandated that Zhao notify the court’s Pretrial Services before traveling to the U.S. and prohibited him from leaving the country before sentencing.

    Furthermore, Zhao must relinquish his Canadian passport to a designated third-party custodian appointed by his legal team for any travel requiring identification.

    All current and expired passports must be surrendered to his lawyers, with new passport acquisition subject to court approval.

    In June 2023, the SEC sued Binance and Zhao for deception and unregistered operations. The SEC urged the court to consider admissions from a DOJ settlement.

    In the case between the U.S. and Zhao as the defendant, the court ruling of March 11, 2024, is as follows, “Defendant must remain in the continental United States through the imposition of sentence.

    “Defendant must notify Pretrial Services before any travel within the continental United States.

    “Defendant must surrender his current Canadian passport to a third-party custodian employed and supervised by his counsel of record.

    “The third-party custodian must retain control over that Canadian passport and must accompany Defendant on any travel that requires identification documents.

    “Defendant must surrender all other current and expired passports and travel documents to his counsel of record, who may return those documents to defendant only with authorization from Pretrial Services or the Court.

    “Defendant may not apply for or obtain a new passport or travel document from any country without the Court’s permission.”

    In November 2023, Zhao pleaded guilty to criminal charges and violating the Bank Secrecy Act. He subsequently agreed to pay a fine and stepped down as the company’s CEO.

    Zhao was released on bail of $175 million.

    This was part of a $4.3 billion settlement with the Department of Justice, according to court documents.

    The plea arrangement with the government followed years of investigation into the dealings of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

    In December, Judge Jones barred Zhao from leaving the U.S. pending a verdict in his case.

    His sentencing date initially fixed for March has been postponed to April 30 and the businessman may face up to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws in the U.S.

    In February, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, said $26 billion passed through Binance Nigeria from unknown sources and users in one year.

    The allegation came amid the free fall of the naira and clampdown on Bureaux de Change by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in an attempt to steady the rapid decline.

    Cardoso said the government was “concerned that certain practices go on that indicate illicit flows going through a number of these entities, and suspicious flows at best”.

    The National Assembly later agreed to issue warrants of arrest against Binance executives in Nigeria.

    This decision came after a resolution was passed to that effect by the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes during a hearing on a petition brought against the crypto firm.

    Barrister Ejiofor and Mike Ozekhome (SAN) received the sum of $80,000 for Kanu’s case – Kanu’s brother

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    Kanunta Kanu, younger brother of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Mike Ozekhome (SAN) received the whooping sum of $80,000 for Kanu’s case.

    He disclosed this in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday night.

    Kanunta Kanu’s revelation was a direct counter to Mr Ejiofor’s claim that the services he rendered to IPOB while serving as their lead counsel was Pro Bono.

    Tori Media reported that Kanu’s family in May 2023 announced the immediate sack of Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Mike Ozekhome.

    In a statement titled, ”Notice of Dismissal”, the family apparently informed the duo that their services was not longer needed.

    Ozekhome’s alleged refusal to allow Kanu’s personal doctors access to him for the urgent ear surgery was cited by the family as part of reasons for the action.

    Meanwhile, Barrister Ejiofor, since he was booted out of Kanu’s legal team, have been under serious scrutiny by the irate supporters of the separatist movement who accused him of sabotage.

    In a statement on Monday, Ejiofor while trying to clear his name from any wrong doing said that since 2015 when he took over as Kanu’s lead counsel, he performed his duties diligently and maintained ethical standards.

    Also, he said his legal doggedness led to the release of Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB members in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

    According to him, most of these legal fireworks was done on Pro Bono.

    He said in the statement, “I have maintained a deliberate silence amidst the unfolding developments in the ongoing  hearing on Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case. However, due to recent compelling circumstances and for record purposes, I find it necessary to provide some clarifications. It is crucial for Biafrans and Ezigbo UmuChineke to take note of the following points:

    “I joined Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team in December, 2015 and eventually took on the role of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s lead Counsel and also as the IPOB General/Lead Counsel in January, 2016.

    “Since 2015, I have diligently performed my professional duties in defending Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB while upholding ethical standards.

    “Nigeria lost over 16,000 doctors in five years due to Japa syndrome” – Minister

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    Nigeria has lost about 15,000 to 16,000 doctors to the Japa syndrome (migration) in the last five years.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, disclosed this on Sunday, March 10, when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today. 

    Pate said the brain drain syndrome has robbed the health sector of its best hands

    The minister explained that there are 300,000 health professionals in Nigeria but only 55,000 of them are doctors. 

    He said, “There are about 300,000 health professionals working in Nigeria today in all cadres. I am talking about doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and others. 

    “We did an assessment and discovered we have 85,000 to 90,000 registered Nigerian doctors. Not all of them are in the country. Some are in the Diaspora, especially in the US and UK. But there are 55,000 licensed doctors in the country.

    “The issue overall, in terms of health professionals, is that they are not enough. They are insufficient in terms of the skills mix. Can you believe most of the high skilled professional doctors are in Lagos, Abuja and a few urban centres? There is a huge distribution issue. 

    “The population of doctor overall is about 7,600 doctors in Lagos and 4,700 or thereabout in Abuja. The doctor to population ratio in Abuja is 14.7 per 10,000 population. These are numbers that you can verify. In Lagos, it is about 4.6, even though the average is 2.2 by 10,000.

    “There are huge distributional issues and they are, of course, the opportunities even for some of those who have been trained to get into the market. So you have to look at it from a perspective that is holistic. Not only doctors but other cadres that are important in the delivery of health care. For doctors, we have been losing many that have been trained.” 

    Pate also said that Nigeria cannot afford to continue losing its best brains to the developed countries. 

    He said: “Now to the Japa you talked about, it is not only limited to Nigeria. It is a global phenomenon. Other countries don’t have enough. They are asking to take more. It is not only in Nigeria. It is happening in India, Philippines and other parts of Africa. 

    “In the last five years, we have lost about 15,000 to 16,000 and about 17,000 had been transferred. We’re barely managing. That’s why expanding their training will become logical. The same thing with nurses and midwives; they are also leaving. That’s why expanding the training is important to ensure those still around are well trained.

    “But there are also thousands more, which is what I was trying to hint at, who are here. And despite the opportunity to travel abroad did not leave and we don’t appreciate them. I’ll give you an example. The head of the ICU at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, a very brilliant gentleman. I met him in December and he said, ‘Four of my colleagues have left’ and I asked to know why he has not left. He said ‘Look, this is my country. I want to serve because health is a sector where there’s inherent motivation in those who select to go in there.’ People don’t just go in there because they want to have a job. They go because they’re intrinsically motivated and we have to recognise and tap into that. 

    “We are beginning to take steps to expand the training and work environment, taking some steps to encourage salaries and incomes commission to do certain things that will encourage them to feel at home. But even the issue of working hours that has come about recently, particularly for the junior doctors, is being addressed.”

    He continued: “We are beginning to take steps to expand the training and work environment, taking some steps to encourage salaries and incomes commission to do certain things that will encourage them to feel at home. But even the issue of working hours that has come about recently, particularly for the junior doctors, is being addressed.

     This is because when some of their colleagues leave and they remain at home, the burden has not reduced. And so they work extremely hard. We’ve listened to that. We are looking at how we can alleviate that and with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, we are looking at how within the code of ethics and the guidelines for the physician to provide some safeguards to ensure they are treated as valuable assets so they are not burnt out.”

    Young Dad Commits Suicide In Enugu Due to Hardship

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    A Father Of Four Identified As Chris Ozobia from Onitsha in Anambra state has commited suicide in Enugu.

    Ozobia, who’s in his 40’s reportedly took his own life at his block industry located at Ugbo Owa, by old airport road, Emene, Enugu on Sunday 3rd March, 2024.

    Journalist101 learnt that the man left behind four children and a wife. His children are between 3-9 years old and lives at standard layout by tarmac school, Emene Enugu.

    Speaking to Journalist101, one of the friends of the deceased who craved for anonymity, said Ozobia took his own life in his workplace after lying to his wife to leave the house.

    He said the lifeless body was discovered the next day, Monday, 4th March, 2024 after his wife and child found his phone at home switched off.

    His Words:

    “Only him knew why he left, he dropped no note, hence, nobody knows why took this decision because he’s full of life and likes enjoying himself. He took his life at his block industry which is located at Ugbowa along the old airport road.

    “He left his house on Sunday morning and told his wife was going to see his cement dealer that sells at Penoks junction. When the wife waited for so long without him coming back, he tried calling him but his number was switched off.

    “The wife began to raise alarm because the husband’s number being switched off is uncommon. She came out and starting calling for help and her daughter saw his phone switched off in their room.

    “The next day, the woman went to his block industry to look for him and found him lying down lifeless. The police came and took his remains away but has released same to the neighbourhood that helped in putting him in the morgue.

    “A lot of stories are flying around but we just learnt he took two big bottles of sniper which he bought at Eke Obinagu market.

    “Ozobia is a graduate of University of Benin and was never known to have any tendency of suicide. They’re a struggling family, his kids are still in primary school and needs help because they’re a struggling,” he said.

    Nigeria Ready To Join Russia, China In BRICS, May Start Trading Crude Oil In Naira

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    The President Bola Tinubu-led government is working towards submitting an application for Nigeria to join international organisation, BRICS.

    This was made known in a post shared via social media on Friday by the international union.

    “Nigeria will apply to join BRICS in 2024,” the union wrote.

    BRICS countries include major world powers, such as China and Russia, and countries which are influential on their continent, such as South Africa and Brazil.

    The expanded group has a combined population of about 3.5 billion, or 45% of the world’s inhabitants.

    The group was designed to bring together the world’s most important developing countries, to challenge the political and economic power of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe.

    What this move means is that if Nigeria eventually becomes a member of BRICS, the West African country would be trading its major exporting product which is oil in Naira.

    In February, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, stated that trading crude oil in naira would not only boost the currency’s value but also reduce dependence on foreign exchange.

    Falana asserted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent circulars are insufficient in addressing the forex issues, noting that a more comprehensive policy shift was necessary.

    He added that the Federal Government should reduce its reliance on the economic predictions and policies of Bretton Woods institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

    According to Falana, it was time for Nigeria to join the economic bloc to salvage the naira.

    Do you know that COVID-19 lowered life expectancy by 1.6 years, New study reveals

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    A major study published Tuesday, March 12 has said Covid-19 caused the average life expectancy of people worldwide to fall by 1.6 years during the first two years of the pandemic, a more dramatic decline than previously thought.

    This marked a sharp reversal during a decades-long rise in global life expectancy, according to hundreds of researchers who viewed data for the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).

    “For adults worldwide, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a more profound impact than any event seen in half a century, including conflicts and natural disasters,” said Austin Schumacher, an IHME researcher and lead author of the study published in The Lancet journal.


    During 2020-2021, life expectancy declined in 84 percent of the 204 countries and territories analysed, “demonstrating the devastating potential impacts” of new viruses, he said in a statement.


    The rate of death for people over 15 rose by 22 percent for men and 17 percent for women during this time, the researchers estimated.


    Mexico City, Peru and Bolivia were some of the places were life expectancy fell the most.


    But in contrast, half a million fewer children under the age of five died in 2021 compared to 2019, continuing a long-term decline in child mortality.

    IHME researcher Hmwe Hmwe Kyu hailed this “incredible progress,” saying the world should now focus on “the next pandemic and addressing the vast disparities in health across countries”.


    And despite the setback during the pandemic, people still live far longer than they used to.


    Between 1950 and 2021, the average life expectancy at birth has risen by 23 years, from 49 to 72, the researchers said.


    Covid was responsible for 15.9 million excess deaths during 2020-2021, either directly from the virus or indirectly due to pandemic-related disruptions, the researchers estimated.


    That is a million more excess deaths than previously estimated by the World Health Organization.


    Barbados, New Zealand and Antigua and Barbuda were among the countries with the lowest rate of excess deaths during the pandemic, partly reflecting how isolated islands were often spared the full brunt of Covid.


    This dynamic “will bring about unprecedented social, economic, and political challenges, such as labour shortages in areas where younger populations are shrinking and resource scarcity in places where population size continues to expand rapidly,” Schumacher warned.


    “Nations around the world will need to cooperate on voluntary emigration,” he added.

    Paul Pogba ‘receives a surprise offer’ from Russia after he was hit with a four-year doping ban

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    Paul Pogba has received an offer to play in Russia following his four-year ban for doping.
    The French midfielder, who is appealing the doping decision, will end his second spell at Juventus at just 30 years old, following a series of injuries.
    According to Tuttosport, Broke Boys, a team from Russia’s celebrity-hosted league, have registered concrete interest and the move would represent the ideal solution to regain his confidence in football.
    In 2022, the Media Football League was created, a championship in which teams are made up of celebrities of all kinds, from actors to influencers.
    Broke Boys sporting director Artjom Chatjaturjan has insisted upon securing the World Cup winner and he revealed that he has been in contact with Pogba.  
    ‘It may seem like a joke, but we called him.’ He told Tuttosport. ‘So far he has politely refused. He is in a desperate moment and needs time to accept it, Pogba is one of the best footballers in the world won’t be able to play for that long.’
    The president of the club in fact sent a letter to the French footballer and his agent Rafaela Pimenta in which he proposed a salary of £1,167 ($1500) a month and some benefits if Pogba decided to move to Russia to join his team.
    The contract would include ‘luxury’ accommodation, not shared with other players, in Odintsovo.
    Pogba is facing time away from the pitch until the age of 35.

    Wife’s boyfriend stabs her husband to death

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    The police in Adamawa State have arrested a 35-year-old man identified as Ishaya Markus for allegedly stabbing a man to death during a quarrel in a community in Fufore LGA on March 3.

    The deceased, Franchise Albert and his 20-year-old wife, Libiyatu, had been having family issues since 2022 after she began having an extramarital affair with the suspect.

    The deceased was said to have warned both his wife and the suspect who resides at Luggure Gajere in Fufore LGA, but they refused to heed his warning.

    “My husband had warned us when he got wind of what we were doing. My husband and I fought over the issue as a result of which I left for my parents’ house.

    “Ishaya followed me and took me into the bush and had an affair after the warning. He slept with me 5 times”, Libiyatu told the police after she was arrested.

    The culprit was said to have kept committing adultery with the victim’s wife while assuring her that her husband would not get to know what they were doing.

    “We later resolved our family issues with my husband and asked me to return to my matrimonial home. I even promised not to have an extramarital affair with the man again.

    On the day of the incident, Ishaya came to take me out again, but couldn’t meet me at home at that time”, Libiyatu further narrated.

    When interrogated, the suspect admitted having an affair with the wife of the late Franchise, as well as stabbing the deceased to death.

    “On that fateful day, I went to the community where the deceased and his wife lived, so as to take her out again even after the warning, but I did not meet her. While I was returning back home, I met with the deceased and he asked me whether I went to see his wife again. A fight ensued in the course of the argument. He pulled out his knife and I also pulled out my own and we engaged in a bloody fight. He cut me on my hand and by the neck. I used my knife and stabbed him in his stomach 2 times and by the neck leading to his death.”

    The suspect pledged to take care of the wife of the deceased or pray for her to marry another man since he had murdered her husband and pleaded with the police to forgive him.

    While confirming the incident, the spokesman of the police command, SP Suleiman Yahaya Ngurore, said that the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, had ordered a full-fledged investigation and assured that the suspect would be prosecuted.

    Opinion: Why I Married Late – Rita Dominic

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    Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic, has disclosed the delay in getting married was intentional.

    Naija News reports that the movie star made this known in an interview with JOY TV.

    Recall that in 2022, Rita Dominic, at age 46, married Nigerian Publisher, Fidelis Anosike, in a star-studded ceremony.

    The thespian gave reasons for marrying late, saying she wanted to ensure she was marrying for the right reasons and not because of societal pressure.

    She said, “We were friends for a long time, we found love date and we got married. I waited for so long because I wanted to be sure I was marrying for the right reasons and not for societal pressure. Even before I got married, there were pressure but I just turned deaf ear because if anything goes wrong in the marriage, I will be the one to pack up the pieces and you know the society. I promise to do it at the right time, and I believe I married at the right time.”

    Breaking! Scarcity of husbands hits Southeast Nigeria- Commission warns

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    Blames insecurity, killings


    Restiveness and killings in Anambra State and the Southeast geopolitical zone in general will deny women the opportunity of having spouses.

    The declaration was made in the report of the Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission (ATJPC), the Executive Summary of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, the state capital, yesterday.

    It noted that restiveness and killings had resulted in a structural problem of demographic sustainability because women were finding it difficult to find mating partners.

    The report stated that women are some of the worst-hit victims as they have suffered and might continue to suffer from killings, rape, loss of husbands and sons, and denial of livelihoods.


    It noted also that thousands of young people had been killed since 1999 when restiveness became pronounced in the region, just as many had fled the rural areas.

    “The killings from the ongoing violence in Igboland generally and in Anambra in particular due to violent crimes and claims of agitation have once again disproportionately affected the stock of young males in the region.


    “It has reduced the likelihood that women will be able to find suitable mating or marriageable partners while also increasing the likelihood that females will end up unmarried and reproductively unfulfilled.

    “It will further swell the number of unmarried women in the region, particularly among those who reside in the homeland and have limited interaction outside the boundaries of home.


    “These women could remain unmarried or wait out their productive years in search of a suitor who has likely been killed.

    “They may feel intimidated about giving birth to a child outside marriage for fear of being labeled wayward and humiliating their families for birthing children into illegitimacy,” it declared.


    The report recalled the case of Amaka Igwe, the lawyer who was killed in Onitsha alongside her husband.

    It also recalled the killing of Harira Jubril near Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area on May 25, 2022 alongside her four daughters.

    It stated that the killings had resulted into destitution or dependencies among men and had led to economic impoverishment for many women, mass widowhood and enforced childlessness.

    It noted that in rural or farming communities, polygamy had remained prevalent and women’s access to land depended on their relationship with the men in their lives.


    The livelihood consequences of the killings for women could be very severe, it stressed.

    “Married women who have no sons can lose access to land and to subsistence in a political economy in which re-marriage can be quite difficult for a woman with children.


    “Naturally, the additional stress of this kind of life on top of the trauma of the disappearance of the husband or bread-winner can lead to diminished outcomes for physical and mental health.

    “As many communities devolved subsequently into more generalised forms of atrocity and violence, hospitals and healthcare facilities had been destroyed in the restiveness.

    “Healthcare workers had become afraid of showing up for work and access to reproductive healthcare and facilities had become more rarefied in the rural areas.

    “Unlike most other parts of Nigeria which have a problem of girl-child school enrolment, Anambra leads the states of Southeast Nigeria in a unique regional problem of diminishing boy-child school enrolment and retention,” it stated.

    It noted that women typically contributed to the livelihood and education of their children, but with their sources of income cut off, their children were denied access to basic nutrition and to social services.

    The report stressed that consequences of insecurity had negated previous progress made on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Anambra as young boys abandoned education and fled their communities for fear of being killed or abducted.

    The United Nations created 17 world development goals called the SDGs in 2015 with the aim of peace and prosperity for people and the planet, then and into the future.

    The goals have 2030 as their attainment target date.

    Anambra’s 14-man ATJPC was inaugurated in June 2022 to investigate insecurity in Anambra and the Southeast in general.

    It submitted its final report to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Wednesday.

    It had Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria Human Rights Commission, as its chairman.

    EFFC Uncovers the Suspect Involved In $6.2 Million CBN Fraud, Wanted For Forging Buhari’s Signature

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    Odoh Eric Ocheme has been revealed as one of the suspects wanted for allegedly forging former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature to effect the disbursement of $6,230,000 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Naija News understands that Ocheme, who served as Emefiele’s personal assistant, is wanted by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Recall that the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, testified before a Federal High Court in Abuja that no fund was meant for the payment of foreign election observers.

    Mustapha said the apex bank leadership forged the former President’s and his own signatures to process the payment.

    Following the development, the Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the CBN under the former Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Jim Obazee, swung into action to unravel the payment.

    In February, Obazee had asked Interpol to place three suspects on its watchlist over the $6,230,000 payment. The suspects were Ocheme, Adamu Abubakar, and Imam Abubakar.

    Emefiele was also indicted over the alleged fraudulent payment. He is currently facing a 20-count criminal charge preferred against him by the EFCC.

    Ocheme is one of those being investigated over alleged fraud in the apex bank. The EFCC recently declared him, Margaret, Emefiele’s wife, Anita Joy Omoile, and Jonathan Omoile wanted for alleged money laundering.

    Profile Of Ocheme

    Born on May 16, 1981, in Markudi, Benue state capital, Ocheme studied economics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Before his tertiary education, he attended ECWA Secondary School in Markurdi.

    According to TheCable, Ocheme, an associate of Emefiele, is one of the directors of Ricrem Limited and Beustone Nigeria Limited, which provides services for agricultural production.

    The company, which was registered in February 2012, is inactive on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) website, which means that the company has not filed its annual returns up to date.

    Those listed as directors of the company are Ocheme, Raymond Sunday Odoh, Livingstone Ocheme Onukwue, and Elliott Ocheme Nwandu.

    The second company, Beustone, was established on May 5, 2009. It is also inactive on the CAC website. Ocheme, Livingstone Onukwue, Beulah Ali, and Josephine Odoh are listed as directors.

    Ocheme married Chinenyeze Ozioma Okoro in February 2021 in Owerri, Imo state.
    The wedding ceremony, which took place at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Irete, Owerri West LGA, was attended by top politicians and personalities, including Emefiele.

    “My wife, a virgin, complained I was not satisfying her in bed” – Israel DMW spills

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    Mr Isreal DMW, personal assistant to Nigeria’s music superstar, Davido has given further insight into his short-lived marriage as he claimed that his ex-wife complained about not being satisfied in the ‘other room’.

    During an interview with media personality, Daddy Freeze, Isreal DMW said his ex wife, Sheila Courage complained about his sexual performance shortly after they got married.

    When asked by the host if he was satisfying the ex-wife in bed, Isreal said, “I dey do as my power reach but she was complaining that I wasn’t satisfying her. I was shocked because I married her a virgin.”

    This is a fresh revelation since the couple fell apart last year and then went into all-out war on social.

    In the same interview, Israel disputed Sheila’s claim that her family had returned the bride price he paid.

    Israel, who is the logistic manager of Davido, said N1000 was returned to him via bank transfer whereas he paid about N2 million in cash and goods as bride price.

    Biafran War: General Gowon makes a shocking confession after 54 years

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    After 54 years, General Yakubu Gowon makes a shocking confession on live TV, admitting he started the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War.

    In a revealing statement, Gowon opens up about the misconceptions surrounding the war’s origins, surprising many with the revelation that he initiated the conflict as the Nigerian Head of State.

    This confession sheds new light on the historic event, challenging previous beliefs and highlighting the complexities of the war’s narrative. including the crimes against women and children.

    Mr Gowon who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975 made the admission that he Started Civil War while addressing newsmen after he visited President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday

    The former Head of State told President Bola Tinubu not to be worried about the criticisms of Nigerians on his performance since he assumed office in May 2023.

    He said that as a former leader of the country, he also faced the same situation when he started the Civil War in 1967, which many Nigerians thought would destroy the country but his government succeeded.

    Gowon also begged Nigerians to give President Tinubu more time to solve the socioeconomic problems in the country.

    He said, “I was telling him that there’s no Nigerian leader that can get there, that will not get all of these; all that is being said about him.

    “But certainly, there is no doubt about all what one has heard and seen from various media. I think the government is trying its best to deal with the various problems of the country.

    “But with Nigerians, don’t you worry you will get criticised, but people who get there know better than you know. I think all one can say to Nigerians is that they have to give the President time to get things really done and it is too early to sort of say perfect result will be achieved. That is my opinion.

    “At least, if I remembered, I was told that I was too slow, fighting the war and that probably Nigeria would not make it and that we should seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably did not know the problem there on the ground there.

    The late Odumegwu Ojukwu always asked Gowon to speak the truth about who started the war. Well, Nigerians heard it, finally!

    Gowon also said, “I think all one can say to Nigerians is that they have to give the president time to get things really done and it is too early to sort of say perfect results will be achieved. That is my opinion.”

    Last year, Mr Gowon dismissed the Nigerian Civil War that claimed close to three million lives “a little fracas.”

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who fought on the side of the Nigerian Army against the Biafran agitators, estimated the number of those killed during the Civil War to be over one million.

    The Nigeria-Biafra war broke out in 1967 following the South-East’s secession from Nigeria. The war lasted over 30 months, ending in 1970. But agitation for secession still lingers in the South-East.

    An estimated three million people were reportedly killed during the war, many rounded up by Nigerian soldiers and shot at close range while hundreds of thousands were starved to death.

    Although the war was not properly documented, several accounts with substantial corroboration indicated how Nigerian soldiers massacred Igbo civilians in Asaba, Onitsha, and Enugu, amongst other communities in the region.

    Bianca Censori Risks Going to Jail in France to Walking Around Naked in Paris With Kanye West

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    Bianca Censori could face prison or a fine of €15,000 after she made an explicit outing in Paris by going underwear-free for a dinner with Kanye West

    On Tuesday, the Yeezy architect, 29, wore her most explicit outfit to date as she went underwear-free beneath a pair of sheer stockings during a public outing with husband Kanye West. 

    Bianca didn’t conceal her genitals or bare backside in the garment as commanded attention. 

    She also did not appear to be wearing a shirt or bra under a cropped fur coat as she returned to the Ritz Hotel with her husband Kanye after enjoying dinner at Ferdi.

    However, her latest display could cause her trouble with French officials if she is found in breach of their decency laws. 

    Article 222-32 of the new penal code (applicable since 1 March 1994) stipulates: ‘Deliberate sexual display in the sight of others in a place accessible to the public gaze is punishable by one year in prison and a fine of one hundred thousand francs. [€15,000]’

    Nudity itself does not equal indecency, however, with the legislator stipulating: ‘The charge has been worded in such a way as to rule out any possibility of proceedings against persons practising naturism in places specially designated for this purpose.’

    This isn’t the first time, Bianca has risked a run-in with the law due to her wild antics on holiday. 

    Last year, Bianca ran the risk of a €10,000 fine and imprisonment during the couple’s trip to Italy, where she had been walking around ‘virtually naked’ in the European nation. 

    According to the Italian Constitutional Court, a fine from 5,000 to 10,000 euros can be issued, or whoever exposes in a place or nearby to a place attended by minors, may be sentenced from four months to four years imprisonment. 

    For one outing Bianca went braless in a skintight see-through all-in-one and at some points was forced to cover her nipples with a black cross-body bag

    Elon Musk, X Owner, to launch ‘Xmail’ email service to rival Google’s Gmail soon

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    Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has revealed his latest venture: XMail, a new email service that could challenge Google’s dominance in the market.

    Musk announced his social media platform, X, where he confirmed that XMail is “coming” soon. He did not provide further details about the service’s features, launch date, or pricing but hinted that it would be integrated with the X app.

    The news comes amid a wave of panic among Gmail users, alarmed by a hoax image claiming Google was shutting down its popular email service by August 2024. The image, which looked like an official email from Google, went viral on X and other social media platforms, causing confusion and outrage among millions of users.

    Google quickly debunked the rumor, stating that Gmail is “here to stay” and that it had recently updated its interface to make it more user-friendly and colorful. However, some users remained skeptical and expressed interest in trying out XMail as an alternative.

    XMail is one of many products that Musk has launched on his revamped social media platform, which he acquired from Twitter in 2022. Earlier this year, he introduced ChatGPT, a conversational AI assistant that uses natural language processing to generate realistic and engaging responses. Some users have praised ChatGPT as a fun and innovative communication method, while others have criticized it as a potential source of misinformation and manipulation.

    Musk has also stated that his ultimate goal for X is to make it an “everything app,” a one-stop shop for all online services and activities. He has hinted at developing other products such as XPay, a digital payment system, and XTube, a video-sharing platform.

    Some experts believe that XMail could be a game-changer in the email service industry, which Gmail has dominated for over a decade. According to Demand Sage, a market research firm, Gmail has over 1.8 billion active users worldwide as of 2024.

    Rhea Freeman, a social media strategist, told MailOnline that XMail “might happen” and that it would be “interesting to see the uptake.”

    “Elon has made huge changes to Twitter and doesn’t seem to have public opinion on side, so whether people will trust X with their email management will be something to watch,” she said.

    She added that XMail could have advantages over Gmail, such as being more secure, customizable, and integrated with other X products.

    However, she also warned that XMail could face challenges, such as convincing users to switch from their existing email accounts, complying with data protection regulations, and competing with other email services such as Outlook, Yahoo, and ProtonMail.

    It needs to be clarified whether XMail is being developed by xAI, a company that Musk founded in 2023 to focus on artificial intelligence research and development. xAI has been involved in some of Musk’s other projects, such as Neuralink, a brain-computer interface, and Starlink, a satellite internet service.

    Musk has yet to reveal when XMail will be available to the public, but some users are eager to sign up for it. Others, however, are more cautious and prefer to stick with Gmail, which they trust and rely on for personal and professional communication.

    Do you know that $26bn Passed Through Binance Nigeria In One Year – CBN

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    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Yemi Cardoso says over $26 billion has passed through the crypto app Binance Nigeria in the last one year.

    Cardoso said this on Tuesday after the MPC meeting in Abuja.

    “In the case of Binance, in the last one year, 26 billion dollars has passed through Binance Nigeria from sources and users who we cannot adequately identify,” he told reporters in his first MPC meeting since assuming office as the CBN governor.

    The CBN also raised the country’s Monetary Policy Rate(MPR) by four hundred basis points to 22.75 percent from 18.75 percent.

    The MPR has been 18.75 percent since the last MPC meeting between 24th and 25th July 2023.

    With inflation at 29.90 percent, he said the new MPR is part of moves to tackle the country’s inflation.

    Cardoso who chairs the MPC also said the Cash Reserve Ratio(CRR) has been raised to forty-five percent while the liquidity ratio was left unchanged at thirty percent.

    CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso briefs the press after the MPC meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

    Nigeria has been battling economic woes in recent months, but Cardoso said his team is not responsible for that.

    “I laugh at that question but it’s not a laughing matter and I think it is very important for Nigerians to understand that the Central Bank Governor — I and my team — are not responsible for the woes that we have today; we are part of the solution,” the former Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget said.

    “We are determined to ensure that we work hard to get out of the mess that Nigeria is in. We assumed responsibility in a time of crisis of confidence; there was a crisis of confidence and you may all want to go to bed and wish that crisis of confidence was not there but it was, and we can’t turn back the clock.

    “All we can do is do the difficult things to make a bad situation better and I do believe that the efforts that we are making are beginning to bring back confidence because to be frank, without confidence in your business, you are not going to get far.”

    Michael IIesanmi Vanishes 2 Months After Arriving From Nigeria To Be with His American Wife

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    Nigerian TV personality in the 90 Day Fiancé, Michael Ilesanmi has been declared missing, two months after moving to the United States with his wife, Angela Deem, arriving from Nigeria.

    Ilesanmi’s wife, Deem said all her efforts to contact his family in Nigeria have been in futility, as a reward of $10,000 has been placed for his return.

    “Michael’s been missing since the 23rd. The police are involved, we can’t find him,” the 58-year-old Angela Deem revealed in a TikTok video on Monday.


    The woman also added that her home security cameras failed to pick up his departure, saying he did not go with his belongings.

    “Michael left everything here. I know that there’s people (who) probably think, ‘Oh, maybe he just left.’ But like, nothing, not any ID, nothing to show his name on it, no clothing, not a toothbrush. Zero point zero zero,” she said.

    “No wallet, nothing. Clothes on his back is what he left with on Friday,” she continued, telling 90 Day Fiancé blogger John Yates and viewers that he “only had like $40 on him.”

    “Michael had just gotten here [during] Christmas time,” his exact date of arrival being December 22, 2023.

    “If he left on his own, he should have called me. Everybody in this town, I’m gonna tell you, they say, ‘Angela, he’s f–king walked out because he’s got no reason to stay here.’ I don’t want to believe that,” the reality star stated in her video.

    She then seemingly questioned their relationship and if she got played once he got to America and disappeared from her rural home in South Georgia.


    “But it’s looking like he’s planned this the whole f–king time. This is not funny. This is real s–t. I am not Chantel [Everett]. I am not Daniele [Gates]. I am not Molly [Hopkins]. You’ve got the wrong goddamn American,” Angela continued ​while naming other popular 90 Day Fiancé franchise stars, adding,” I’m telling you now. I’m not gonna let you f–king come here if you didn’t love me.”

    “He’s my husband and I love him and I don’t know where he’s at. As long as he’s safe, just call us. The police are involved. This is beyond what the f–k is going on. You got my four grandkids crying that something’s wrong with you. This is not Karine and Paul [Staehle],” she continued.

    “What do I say to these people, because I don’t have no answers? We know he’s deceitful, but I don’t think he would go this far and not call at least my daughter,” Angela added.

    Angela turned her attention to fan questions about contacting immigration, telling viewers of her TikTok that she and John are “not allowed” to answer any of their concerns.

    You’ll just have to use your common sense, she noted of the immigration inquiries. “If Michael is really missing and doesn’t contact us, immigration can take over. That’s all I can tell you.”

    The couple had been looking forward to reuniting in America. Michael said, “We’ve waited three years for the spousal visa interview,” during a confessional in a 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After trailer that dropped on February 14.

    Angela agreed, stating, “This is the most important day of our lives. I need to get my man home to America. If that visa’s denied, it’s over.”

    The couple’s romance began in 2018 on season 2 of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days after meeting online. They started dating long-distance shortly afterward and shared their first in-person meeting that season.


    Angela and Michael continued to share their journey on season 3 and season 7 of 90 Day Fiancé and seasons 5, 6 and 7 of 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? The pair wed in Michael’s native Nigeria in January 2020.

    Wike Introduces Air-Conditioned Luxury Buses With Free Wi-Fi in Abuja

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    With the introduction of 15 air-conditioned 60-seater luxury buses fitted with free wi-fi in Abuja yesterday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike has begun a repositioning process for intra-city transport needs of Abuja residents, the Director of FCT’s ‘Transport For Abuja’ project, Dr. Yakubu Terry has said.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the initial batch of 15 buses that will ply various parts of the capital city under a public/private partnership (PPP) programme, Dr. Terry stated that under the FCT Minister, renewed hope is manifesting for urban mass transit.

    During a brief ceremony at the Eagles Square, both Terry and the FCT’s Mandate Secretary for Transportation, Mr. Uboku Nyah emphasised that with the ‘Transport For All’ (TFA) project, the FCT has commenced a secure, convenient and affordable transportation that is for all Nigerians across various locations in the city.


    “Our vision for transport for Abuja is not just about buses and routes, it’s a commitment to building a connected, sustainable, and efficient transportation system that will elevate the quality of life for every resident. We envision a city where commuting is seamless, where people can rely on a modern and reliable transit system, and where transportation becomes a facilitator of progress.

    “To turn this vision into reality, ‘Transport for Abuja’ has devised a strategic plan that focuses on key city areas and their environs and by connecting the dots efficiently. We aim to create a web of convenience that thread through the fabric of Abuja; our strategy is not just about the number of buses on the road, it’s about creating a comprehensive and accessible network that serves the diverse needs of our community.

    “We will prioritize lucrative routes and leverage technology to optimize routes, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall commuting experience; as we strive for efficiency. A crucial aspect of our strategy is the introduction of cutting-edge digital payment offerings,” he said.

    According to Terry, passengers’ convenience is paramount and the introduction of various digital payment methods and user-friendly mobile apps, will ensure that passengers can effortlessly purchase tickets and thereby eliminate the need for physical cash, reduce transaction time and speed up the boarding process with seamless and efficient experience for valued riders.

    Aside from the free onboard wi-fi and air-conditioning for passengers, Terry said the buses are equipped with live surveillance features for passenger safety.


    According to an official, Mr. Roy Kweku, who conducted government officials, including Zacharia Nyampa and other members of the House of Representatives on a short intra-city tour, the goal of TFA is to use innovative methods and ICT towards transforming urban transportation experience for Nigerians with a vision for more efficient, highly reliable, accessible and secure transportation system that can help towards improving citizens’ lives.

    Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to form new confederation – named ‘Alliance of Sahel States’

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    Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are pressing forward with plans to establish a confederation, according to a statement from the Malian foreign ministry on Thursday.

    This move signals a deepening of ties among the three countries who overthrew the seating governments via coups, through an alliance that poses a challenge to broader West African integration efforts.

    In September, the three military-led governments initiated a defense and economic pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

    The latest meeting comes just weeks after the neighbours in the impoverished Sahel region announced in January 2024 their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African states- a decision the bloc has urged them to rethink, warning of the additional hardships this withdrawal would bring.

    All three were founding members of the regional bloc in 1975 but had been suspended following military coups that overthrew elected civilian governments.

    Burkina’s Defence Minister General Kassoum Coulibaly said the talks in Ouagadougou were an opportunity to pursue the implementation of “instruments, mechanisms and procedures” and the “legal architecture for the confederation” as quoted by Reuters.

    The procedures will “allow our alliance and the confederation to function efficiently and to the great joy” of the three countries’ populations, his Niger counterpart General Salifou Modi said.

    Last November, their finance ministers said they would weigh the option of setting up a monetary union and top officials from all three countries have, to varying degrees, voiced support for abandoning West Africa’s CFA franc common currency.

    The juntas have all severed long-standing military ties with former colonial ruler France, dealing a blow to France’s influence in the Sahel and complicating international efforts to fight the militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

    Ondo Socialite and businessman killed wife after he caught her naked with their security guard on bed

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    A businessman in Ondo State identified as Sesan Adelabu, has committed suicide after killing his wife, Bolu, in Akure, the state capital.

    Unconfirmed sources according to Vanguard alleged that the socialite caught his wife in bed with one of his security guards.

    The victim reportedly killed his wife with a machete and thereafter committed suicide by drinking insecticide.

    The unfortunate incident occurred at his Alagbaka GRA residence in Akure metropolis.

    His wife’s body was left on their matrimonial bed while that of the socialite was found inside his toilet after drinking the insecticide.

    Adelabu, according to sources; had a chain of investments including petrol stations in Akure.

    Their corpses have been deposited at the Akure General Hospital mortuary.

    UK economy enters into recession

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    The UK economy has fallen into recession after recording two successive quarters of negative economic growth in the second half of last year.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by a worse-than-expected 0.3% in the three months to December having shrunk by 0.1% between July and September.

    A Reuters poll of economists had pointed to a smaller 0.1% fall in the October-to-December period.

    The fall in GDP in the fourth quarter was the biggest since the first quarter of 2021, the ONS said.

    Britain’s economy has been stagnating for nearly two years. The Bank of England has said it expects it to pick up slightly in 2024.

    “Businesses were already under no illusion about the difficulties they face, and this news will no doubt ring alarm bells for government,” Alex Veitch, director of policy and insight at the British Chambers of Commerce, said.

    “The chancellor must use his budget in just under three weeks’ time to set out a clear pathway for firms and the economy to grow.”

    Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said there were “signs the British economy is turning a corner” and “we must stick to the plan – cutting taxes on work and business to build a stronger economy.”

    Media reports said Hunt was seeking to cut billions of pounds from public spending plans to fund pre-election tax cuts in his March 6 budget, if penned in by tight finances.

    Economic output fell by 0.1% in monthly terms in December after 0.2% growth in November, the ONS said. The Reuters poll had pointed to a 0.2% fall in December.

    Sterling weakened moderately against the dollar and the euro shortly after the GDP data release.

    The ONS said the manufacturing, construction and wholesale sectors were the largest contributors to the decrease in GDP.

    ‘These are the 10 lessons about love I wish I had learned earlier in life” – Toke Makinwa

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    Popular media personality Toke Makinwa took to her Instagram page to share ten insightful love lessons she wishes she had known earlier in life.

    In a heartfelt Valentine’s Day message, Toke Makinwa shared ten photos on her Instagram page, each capturing different aspects of love, self-worth, and personal growth.

    The 10 love lessons shared by Toke Makinwa are as follows:


    1. Out of everything you gotta beg for in this life, never let love be one of them.

    2. If you have to constantly repeat yourself, it’s either they are committed to not hearing you or they don’t care enough. Stop telling people what they already know, that long paragraph won’t change the obvious, let them go.

    3. While in life negotiations are inevitable, keep them centered around (money, where you live, job positions, vacations etc), never let your self worth be one of them.

    4. You are your one true love, never forget that


    5. Nothing will bring you more peace than your mental health, prioritize this and never ever compromise that for nobody.

    6. It is better to adjust your life to their absence than to lower your boundaries to accommodate the disrespect.

    7. Love is a beautiful thing, it won’t always be easy but as long as you are BOTH committed to working it out, it is usually and in most cases worth it.

    8. Never ever settle. Who you pick to do life with is the second most important decision you’ll ever make in your life, It can make or break you.

    9. Being single is not a death sentence, enjoy your time alone, discover YOU, love You how you want to be Loved.

    10. The greatest love story is the one you have with your creator, he is madly in love with you, his love never changes and it will never fail.

    “A bonus one, red flags won’t turn green, it’s not a traffic light baby, never let anyone show you twice that they don’t want you. Ok byeeeeeee”

    Bonus: Red Flags Won’t Turn Green: Toke concludes with a bonus lesson, advising against ignoring red flags in a relationship, emphasizing that they won’t miraculously change.

    Maggots from a passengers suitcase ‘rained’ falling from overhead cabin

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    A plane was forced to turn back after passengers got covered in maggots that had fallen from a “bag of rotten fish” in the overhead cabin. 

    The Delta Air Lines plane was on its way from Amsterdam to Detroit in the US when passengers noticed the maggots landing on their heads. 

    Despite being an hour into the flight, the plane turned around and flew back to Schiphol Airport and passengers were taken offboard so the aircraft could be deep cleaned.

    It’s believed the suitcase with the fish, which had apparently broken open, was destroyed.

    Asked what he thought at the time, he said: “I don’t know what was going through my mind, I was trying to process it. Disgusted is one thing of course.”

    He said he was surprised rotten fish and maggots were not picked up on the security cameras at the airport. 

    Plane passengers showered with maggots falling from overhead cabin
    Plane passengers showered with maggots falling from overhead cabin

    A third passenger wrote on Reddit: “My family and I were in the row directly in front of the maggots. The lady right behind us told the flight attendants the maggots were falling on her head. Ugh. I turned around and they were wiggling around on the seat.

    “They moved us further in front though. One of our carry-on bags was right near the disgusting one so at the end of the flight when I went to get it after checking it over thoroughly, the passenger in question was still sitting there and didn’t exit the plane.

    “Some kind of consequences but unclear what. Also apparently it was wrapped in newspaper. Absolutely gross.”

    French Footballer, Kylian Mbappe will be leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer

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    Kylian Mbappe has reportedly told Paris Saint-Germain he will leave the club at the end of this season when his contract expires.


    According to Sky Sport,  Mbappe communicated his decision to Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the PSG president, on Tuesday and the club expects him to join Real Madrid.
    The terms of the forward’s exit are yet to be finalised as the two parties negotiate whether Mbappe will leave for a fee or sacrifice his own earnings. PSG expect Mbappe to keep his word that he would never leave on a free transfer.
    It is understood PSG and Mbappe will make an announcement once this is agreed in the coming months.

    PSG turned down a €220m (£188m) offer for Mbappe from Real Madrid in August 2021. The forward then chose to sign a new three-year deal with PSG that expires this summer.

    If Mbappe were to extend his deal by a further year, PSG would value him at €150m (£128m) in the upcoming transfer window. They accepted a €300m (£256m) from Saudi club Al Hilal last summer, which Mbappe turned down.

    The departure of Mbappe, whose wages cost PSG €200m (£171m) per year, will free up funds for the club to replace their star player and it is understood there are already plans to make multiple signings this summer.

    Nigerian Parliament move to ban sports betting in Nigeria

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    If members of the House of Representatives have their way stop sports betting said to be a pastime of 60 million young Nigerians may soon become a thing of history in the country.

    This followed a resolution by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at the plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

    The lawmaker had in the resolution complained that the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is weak or has neglected regulations of sports betting in the country.


    He said this have given rise to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and addiction.

    Nwogu added that it had also led to strain or broken relationships due to lying or stealing from friends and family, financial problems, legal issues, and job loss due to excessive loss or debt.

    “Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” he said.

    He harped on the need for campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and underage participation.


    Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct comprehensive nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting.

    The House also mandated the Committee on Inter–Governmental Affairs to conduct a Public Hearing on the dangerous effects of sports betting in Nigeria.

    It urged the committee to report back to it within four weeks for further legislative action.

    The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has revealed that over 65 million Nigerians actively engage in betting, spending an average of 15 dollars daily.

    NLTF also said Nigerians spend an estimated 975 million dollars daily on online sports betting, which amounts to about 356 billion dollars annually.

    It was estimated that about 60 million Nigerians aged between 18 and 40 engage in sports betting.

    Many young Nigerians also engaged in sports betting to get succour from the hardship in the country


    The NLTF lists 58 betting companies approved to operate in Nigeria on its website.
    NAN

    Elderly Lady died after a surgical Robot burned a hole in her intestine during a colon cancer operation 

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    An American woman died after a surgical Robot burned a hole in her intestine during a colon cancer operation. 

    Sandra Sultzer, 78, from Boca Raton, died in 2022 following a procedure to treat her colon cancer the previous year, which was performed using a ‘da Vinci’ robot, a lawsuit filed by her husband claims.

    The four-armed machine is activated by a doctor who operates a camera and a surgeon who manipulates the robot’s arms from a console using a joystick and foot pedals.

    But the lawsuit alleges that a fault allowed stray electrical energy emanating from the robotic arms used to cut body tissue and burn her internal organs without the surgical team’s knowledge.

    The lawsuit added that this is not the first time that da Vinci robots have caused undue harm, saying that the company behind the device, Intuitive Surgical Inc., ‘has also received thousands of injury and defect reports’.

    Sandra Sultzer went into surgery at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital in September 2021 to treat her colon cancer.

    Surgeons there were using the da Vinci surgical robot, a freestanding cart equipped with four arms. 

    One arm holds a camera or laparoscope, and the surgeon operates the other three ‘hands’ by putting their fingers into small sets of loops behind a console.

    Each arm is outfitted with forceps, scissors, scalpels, and other surgical tools, and can cut incisions about the size of a dime. 

    The precise movements typically result in less blood loss and trauma to the surgical site than would an open surgery with a larger cut.

    The arms are wrapped with little rubber sleeves to prevent electricity from leaking to areas of the body outside of the very precise surgical site, but the lawsuit alleges that the sleeves had cracks in them that allowed electrical currents to escape.

    This is what caused a hole to be burned into Mrs Sultzer’s small intestine,, the lawsuit alleges.  

    The burn as a result of electricity radiating out, known as arcing, happened outside of the doctor’s field of vision, so it went unnoticed.

    A hole in the small intestine releases digestive enzymes and bile which can lead to infection. If that infection spreads, the person can go into septic shock.  

    The lawsuit said: ‘Had ISI safely designed its product so that stray electrical energy would not burn the insides of patients without the knowledge or control of the operating surgeons, the small intestine injury to Mrs Sultzer would not have happened, and she would not have died.’

    In addition, the lawsuit said that the company failed to adequately train doctors in how to effectively use the device, raising the odds of a potentially fatal error during surgery.

    Half of imported pharmaceutical products in Nigeria are fake — NAFDAC

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    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Tuesday said that 50 per cent of imported pharmaceutical products in Nigeria are fake.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a recent stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.

    She explained that the certificate of a pharmaceutical product (CPP) is expected to follow the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and it establishes the status of the product and the applicant for the certificate in the exporting country.

    However, Adeyeye lamented that despite efforts to ensure product quality, many CPPs arriving in Nigeria are fake.

    According to her, substandard and falsified products threaten access to safe, efficacious, and affordable medicines, and undermine the achievement of universal health coverage in Nigeria, and Africa.

    She explained that WHO created a scheme called Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) and what this means is that “if we send a CPP out to another country, we are assuring the receiving country that it will be of quality.”

    According to Mrs Adeyeye, most of the medicines imported to Nigeria are from South East Asia.

    She said, “We have a scheme where before medicines that were approved leave that part of the world, we do pre-shipment testing, and that comes with CPP to assure us of quality, but that is not the case, because through our scheme we have been able to stop over 140 products that were approved for coming in.

    “We found out that more than 50 per cent of the CPPs that come into our country are fake. Part of those responsible is our people that go to China or India and we are going to deal with it.”

    She said the agency is more stringent than ever, hence there is no cutting of corners.

    She noted that trade is a mutual agreement and if that agreement is harming one part of the agreement, it will be stopped.

    “If a company is suspected to be compromising, in two hours we will be there, and we will shut the company down,” she said.

    Mrs Adeyeye expressed concern that the significant prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines in Africa poses a major threat to public health, adding that the prevalence of falsified medicines in the region is due to limited regulation processes.

    “Only about 10 per cent of national regulatory agencies have attained maturity level three. What leads to maturity level three is market control, and that is one of the nine models of maturity level three, so we have a lot of work to do in Africa,” she said.

    “The NAFDAC’s mandate puts a burden on us to see a reduction in substandard and falsified medicines, both the ones that are locally manufactured and the ones that are imported.”

    Mrs Adeyeye said the agency is doing its best to fight substandard and falsified medicines and products based on three thematic areas, which are to prevent, detect, and respond.

    Kidnapper arrested while trying to pick N1.5M ransom in Taraba State

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    Troops from 93 Battalion under 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested a female kidnapper, Janet Igohia, while trying to collect a ransom paid by relatives of an abducted victim in Taraba State.

    Also, a gunrunner dealing in arms and ammunition and supplying them to criminals within the State and other parts of the country was taken into custody.

    Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, the spokesman of the brigade, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

    Janeth it was learnt, was married to a notorious criminal who is a second-in-command to late Hana Terwase.

    Olubodunde said the suspect was arrested after being paid ransom for an abducted victim in the Chanchangi area in Takum LGA of the state.

    “She is currently married to the leader of a violent extremist group in southern Taraba.

    “According to her, she had previously been married to high-profile criminals such as late Terkibi Gemaga, aka Mopol, a notorious kidnapper who was killed by troops five years ago.

    “She revealed that she also got married to late Gana Terwase, another notorious criminal who was killed during a joint special force operation three years ago,” he said.

    Mr Olubodunde also revealed that the troops deployed in Mararaba Baissa community of Donga LGA apprehended two other suspected gun runners who were allegedly involved in extra judicial killings and cattle rustling with the sum of N600,000.

    “The money recovered from the suspects was part of the proceeds from their illegal activities and 2 Techno mobile phones,” he added.

    He gave the names of the suspects as Alhaji Adamu Damisa [40 years old] and Usman Isah, 44 years old.

    “Can you give your virginity to me? I shouted Jesus! – He said, ‘give it Jesus or no Admission’ – University Don nabbed

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    TKJ (not real name), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC’s star witness, on Tuesday, stated that Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, UNICAL, pressurised her to trade her virginity in exchange for an admission into the institution.

    TKJ, who is the ICPC’s 2nd prosecution witness (PW2), told Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court, Abuja while being led in evidence by the commission’s lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha.

    She narrated that she came in contact with Ndifon during her Diploma 1 Programme through some senior students who were posting condolence messages to the lecturer over the death of his mother.

    “So, being a student of the Faculty of Law, I decided to send my condolence messages to him.

    “After that, he thanked me and asked what level I was and I told him I was in Diploma 1.

    “After some days, I made a post on my WhatsApp status and he asked, ‘Is this you?’ and I replied yes sir.

    “He asked where I was and I told him I wasn’t in Calabar. He told me that whenever I returned, I should try and see him and I said ok,” she said.

    The PW2 said on returning to school, Ndifon called her to inquire if she was back and she answered in affirmative.

    “He asked me to see him in his office. After my lectures that day, I went to his office.

    “When I got there, he had many visitors waiting for him. He asked that I wait for him.

    “After some hours, he dismissed his visitors and asked me to lock the door.

    “I did as he instructed. He stood up from his seat and asked me to hug him.

    “I moved back and he asked if I was scared. I nodded my head.

    ”He said I should not be scared and that I should see him as a father.

    He requested for the hug again. I gave him a side hug.

    “He asked me if this was how I hug my boyfriend, I told him I don’t have a boyfriend. He asked if It was a man friend I have, and I told him I had none.

    “He held my waist and told me I don’t have to bother about admission and that he brought Diploma of Law into the faculty.

    “He said he made about 50 students transited to the LLB programme” she said.

    The witness told the court that the embattled professor again held her waist and she tried to free herself from him.

    “He told me to stop doing that and asked why was I doing like a baby.

    “He asked if I was a virgin, and I said yes. He said am I sure? He said that it was very good.

    “He asked, ‘Can you give it (my virginity) to me? I shouted Jesus! He said I should give it to him and he told me he would give me admission.

    “I told him I would think about it,” she said.

    According to the witness, he (Ndifon) touched my chest which is my breast area.

    “He said he never knew I was this big.

    “While all these were going on, people would come and knock and go.

    “I asked him why does he not want to open the door, he asked me to forget it.

    “When I asked him why he was the one that gave up to 50 persons admission, he told me he was the owner of the diploma course that I should not bother myself that I will get the admission,” she added.

    TKJ, who told the court that the don also asked her to visit him on a public holiday, begged her to give him “a blow job” after confirming he was on her menstrual cycle.

    She said: “On a public holiday, he asked me to come to his office.

    “He pulled his trousers. I told him to stop and that I was on my period (menstruation). He asked won’t I give him my virginity again?

    “I said I was on my period. He put his hand inside my pad. He asked when my period would finish and asked me to sit down.

    “He brought out his manhood and asked that I give him a blow job. I told him I can’t. He said I shouldn’t embarrass him.

    “He put his manhood back inside his trousers and told me to leave his office.

    “When I was about leaving, I begged him that I was sorry.

    “That day, I was not on my period; I just had to wear the pad because of the advances he had been making at me.

    “I went back to WhatsApp to apologise and told him I was sorry. He was my only hope for the admission, something I had looked for for years.”

    TKJ said after the incident, the suspended dean began pressurising her for nude videos.

    “He asked I make a nude video and send it to him. Before I could say anything, he ended the call.

    “Later, he called again and demanded the video. I told him that I was still a virgin and he ended the call.

    “I sent him a message on WhatsApp that I’m still very tight.

    “He told me he would give me admission that I should not worry I should send the video. After so many calls, I had to send the video to him,” she said.

    The witness said despite the sexual harassment protests on campus, the suspended dean requested more nude photographs from her.

    “He kept requesting for more. I stopped replying him for some time. He called me and asked I send another from my chin downwards.

    “The pressure from him was much. I agreed. I sent a view once he said it was deleted. This particular one from Chin was after the sexual harassment protest in UNICAL.”

    TKJ also told the court that while the University panel probe was ongoing, he came to the front of her hostel in a tinted glass car.

    She said she joined him in the car and was having a discussion when Ndifon tried to put his hand inside her trousers.

    The PW2 said that after stopping him from doing that, he brought out his manhood and forcefully put it in her mouth.

    Her words: “He tried to put his hand inside my trousers, and I removed it.

    “He said what is it again. He brought out his manhood inside the car. He said I should suck and make him happy inside the car.

    “I told him again I was in my period, and he said is it every day I was seeing my period?

    “He bent my head to suck in front of my hostel. I begged him I wasn’t feeling fine but he didn’t listen.

    “I told him I was fasting but he refused. He pushed my neck to suck it. I begged and begged but he forced it till he entered my mouth.

    “He told me sorry that I should clear my tears before leaving his car.”

    She said Ndifon later transferred N3000 into her account to treat herself after requesting for the account details.

    After given her evidence, the prosecution counsel sought to tendered the N3000 bank receipt sent to the witness as evidence and it was admitted as exhibit after Ndifon’s lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, withdrew his objection.

    Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Feb. 7 for continuation.

    Mr Ndifon was, on Jan. 25, re-arraigned alongside Sunny Anyanwu as 1st and 2nd defendants on an amended four-count charge bordering on alleged sexual harassment and attempt to perverse the cause of justice.

    Mr Anyanwu, who is one of the lawyers in the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22 by the ICPC on allegation that he called one of the prosecution witnesses on her mobile telephone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threatened her.

    Sports: Don’t come back, South Africans threaten Stanley Nwabali

    0

    Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has reportedly been threatened by South Africans not to return to his clubside, Chippa United following his heroics against the country.

    The threat was disclosed on Thursday by Mr Idah Peterside, a former Super Eagles international when he appeared on Channels Television on Thursday.

    Peterside noted that there have only been threats, and no violence has been recorded.

    He said, ‘’The biggest problem we have had is that we have gotten some messages where people have sent messages to the goalkeeper threatening him. I hear some people are telling him don’t come back to South Africa since you didn’t want us to score. We have not heard of any violence. but just threats. They have been threatening him and threatening some people.”

    South Africans are reportedly not happy that the goalkeeper stopped their team from making it to the finals.

    Nwabali was excellent during the semi-final cracker against the Bafana Bafana in the semi-final clash on Wednesday.

    The goalkeeper stopped multiple attempts by South African players during regulation time before going on to save two spot-kicks during the penalty shootout.

    What changed? Has Germany turned its back on a welcoming approach to migrants?

    0

    After two electoral defeats for his coalition, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz is now taking a tougher stance on migration, trying to ramp up efforts to deport those illegally in the country.

    Amid the widespread panic shared by European countries during the migrant crisis of 2015-2016, Germany represented a beacon of light and optimism under the leadership of then-chancellor Angela Merkel, who famously opened her country up to huge numbers of migrants.

    Under Merkel’s leadership and her “welcome culture” policy, the country took in more than 1.2 million refugees and asylum seekers between 2015 and 2016.

    But as levels of illegal migration in Europe are once again on the rise, Germany now finds itself in a very different position, forced to turn its back on the “welcome culture” – or “Willkommenskultur” – which it once prided itself on.

    “We are limiting irregular migration to Germany. Too many people are coming,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a recent interview with newspaper Der Spiegel. “We have to deport people more often and faster.”

    Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Germany needs to start deporting “on a large scale” migrants who don’t have the right to stay in the country.
    Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Germany needs to start deporting “on a large scale” migrants who don’t have the right to stay in the country.AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

    Germany needs to ramp up the expulsions of migrants who are not allowed to stay in the country, Scholz said. Only days later, the German Cabinet granted its approval to a legislative proposal aiming at streamlining the deportation process of unsuccessful asylum-seekers.

    It’s a huge change for Germany and Scholz, who might have been expected to continue the legacy of his predecessor. 

    “There’s a notable change in rhetoric and policy with the clear objective to bring migration numbers down,” Michael Bröning, a political scientist and a member of the SPD Basic Value Commission, told Euronews.

    “Suggested steps include facilitating deportations, more severe sanctions for human traffickers, the reinstallation of temporary border controls, further bilateral agreements with countries of origin and an extension of the list of countries deemed safe. In sum, this is a drastic shift in policy that signals an end to Germany’s unique ‘welcome culture’ as witnessed in 2015,” he added.

    A stark change in policy after electoral woes

    During a three-day visit to Nigeria earlier this week, Scholz asked the African country’s President Bola Tinubu for help tackling soaring migration, suggesting a partnership somewhat similar to the one that Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni struck with Tunisia earlier this year.

    The idea is to expand migration centres in Nigeria, where those deported from Germany could find shelter, health care and job opportunities.

    The initiative is part of the increasingly tough approach Scholz and his government are showing towards illegal migration after his three-party coalition performed badly in two regional elections earlier this month. Both state races were won by mainstream conservatives, while the far-right made significant gains.

    Bröning said that “it’s impossible to say if this change will directly translate into greater support for the government” in future elections.

    “But it is important to realise that the German public does want the government to act,” he continued. “Furthermore, it is important to see that the shift in policy does not happen in a vacuum but rather against the backdrop of a growing challenge from Germany’s far right.”

    Germany has increased police patrols along "smuggling routes," especially at borders with Poland and the Czech Republic, to prevent more migrants from entering the country.
    Germany has increased police patrols along “smuggling routes,” especially at borders with Poland and the Czech Republic, to prevent more migrants from entering the country.AP Photo/Matthias Schrader

    In recent months, the AfD has surged in the polls and scored significant electoral successes in Bavaria and Hesse.

    “I think this development is not untypical of trends one can witness in other left and/or social democratic parties, which have for years been facing a dilemma regarding how to respond to the challenges from the populist radical right,” Dr Kurt Richard Luther, Professor Emeritus of Comparative Politics at Keele University in the UK, told Euronews.

    “While the rise of the AfD is fuelled by a wide range of grievances – some imagined and some real, concern about what is seen as uncontrolled immigration has long been a main driving force of right-wing populism,” said Bröning.

    Scholz is now under significant pressure to bring down the rising numbers of asylum seekers in the country, as dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the refugee situation is growing. 

    A recent ARD DeutschlandTrend survey found that 44% of Germans currently consider illegal immigration the most important political problem in Germany that politicians should prioritise.

    “Addressing the issue is clearly the order of the day,” said Bröning.

    “The challenge will be to manage the crisis without jeopardising either the stability of the coalition government or intra-party cohesion. Clearly, not every social democrat or German green voter is happy with the proposed changes. so I assume it’s fair to say that we are at the beginning of a debate, not at the end of it.”

    Has the way Germans feel about migrants changed?

    While many countries across Europe were tightening border control back in 2015, it was common to see cheering crowds of Germans greeting thousands of migrants arriving in the country after a long trek across the Middle East and Europe.

    What happened to that enthusiasm for Germany’s newcomers?

    A man holds a cardboard with a 'Welcome' slogan during the arrival of refugees at the train station in Saalfeld, central Germany in 2015.
    A man holds a cardboard with a ‘Welcome’ slogan during the arrival of refugees at the train station in Saalfeld, central Germany in 2015.AP Photo/Jens Meyer,file

    Despite what Scholz’s shift in policy would suggest, “many Germans are still in favour of welcoming people in need and there is widespread support for accepting humanitarian responsibility – not denying it,” Bröning said.

    “However, numbers have had an effect and the mood from 2015 has drastically changed,” he added.

    Today, there’s widespread conviction among the German public that numbers must come down “and reactions to the current escalation in the Middle East have come to play an important – and unexpected – part in this transformation of the debate,” Bröning said.

    “Pro-Palestinian rallies, a wave of antisemitic incidents, and the celebration of the Hamas attack in some high immigration neighbourhoods have been stark reminders that not all is well with regards to migration and integration. In many ways, this has opened up the discourse for a more nuanced discussion.”

    [euronews]

    Uber banned from operating in Abuja, according to new rules by nation’s capital minister

    0

    Long standing ride hailing concern, Uber, may have been excluded from operating within the vicinity of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, after a new list of licensed operators were released late Monday this week, DDM can report.

    The move is part of the much anticipated overhaul of public transport in Nigeria’s national capital promised by Nyisom Wike, Minister, FCT.

    The list of the new taxi hailing service was made public through its Transportation Secretariat.

    The ministry, recently granted licences to only Nairaxi and Bolt to operate ride-hailing apps in the territory under its Public Transport Management Scheme.

    Nothing is said yet about other operators in the same subsector.

    The approval designates Bolt and NAIRAXI as the exclusive licensed ride-hailing operators authorised to provide on-demand transport and logistics services using mobile applications in FCT.

    This announcement was made in a statement published by FCTA Transportation Secretariat through its Public Transport Management Scheme under the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS-FCT).

    “The Administration will soon commence enforcement operations on non-compliant operators, and others are expected to initiate their licensing processes to avoid being banned from operating in the FCT.

    “This move aims to tackle insecurity challenges through verifiable data tracking and other significant benefits in the nation’s capital.

    “The licensing of NAIRAXI and Bolt will improve and regulate e-ride-hailing operations while elevating service excellence in the FCT.

    “The FCTA will initiate immediate enforcement operations to clamp down on unlicensed operators in Abuja,” the statement read.

    The Public Transport Management Scheme also warns of a potential ban on operators without the FCTA Public Transport Management License.

    Multichoice Nigeria rejects $1.69 billion Buy-out Offer from French Company Canal Plus

    0

    After the board determined that Vivendi’s (VIV.PA) offer substantially undervalues the company, MultiChoice Group (MCGJ.J), a South African company, announced on Monday that it will not be pursuing further negotiations with the company.

    Leading MultiChoice shareholder Canal Plus made an offer on Thursday to buy each MultiChoice share that it did not already own for 105 rand ($5.55) per share.

    Canal Plus stated that the offer represented a 40% premium over MultiChoice’s closing share price of 75 rand on January 31. The offer is estimated by Reuters to be worth 31.7 billion rand.

    A recent exercise, which excluded any potential synergies that might result from the proposed transaction, valued the group at substantially more than the offer price, according to a statement released by MultiChoice.

    The largest pay TV provider in Africa went on to say that any reasonable offer made by the French company would have to take into account the synergies that Canal Plus has communicated.

    “Therefore, while the board is open to all means of maximising shareholder value, it has conveyed to Canal+ that at this proposed price, the letter does not provide a basis for further engagement,” stated MultiChoice.

    The board stated that it is still willing to discuss any offer for a reasonable price with any party.

    Canal Plus had stated that its offer was indicative and non-binding, but after due diligence was finished, it planned to present a letter of definite intention to MultiChoice’s board.

    Following the announcement of the deal, Canal Plus, which as of Thursday held a 31.67% holding in MultiChoice, increased that stake to 35.01%, according to a second statement from MultiChoice.

    Because of this, MultiChoice has asked the Takeover Regulation Panel to rule on whether, in accordance with the Companies Act, all holders of common shares in the firm must receive a required offer.

    Notice: SIMs not linked to NIN will be deactivated month-end – NCC warns

    0

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said SIM cards that are yet to be linked to the National Identity Numbers (NIN) will be deactivated by the end of February. 

    NCC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Maida, disclosed this during a meeting with journalists on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

    “By the end of this month, SIMs without NIN will no longer work,” Mr Maida said. 

    The compulsory linkage began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to block calls from unregistered and unlinked NINs.

    The policy was expected to help the authorities in fighting bandits and terrorists who kidnap and kill innocent people daily. Despite the extension of deadlines, many phone lines are yet to be linked. 

    Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Maida said “Pre-registered or illegally registered SIM has been a challenge for a long time. In 2021, there was a policy to link NIN with SIMs thinking that such will take care of the problem but people in the value chain lashed out on loopholes.” 

    He added that the commission will hold telecom service providers accountable for service delivery to customers. 

    “You are going to see a change in the way we make decisions; we are going to be very data-driven. All our decisions are going to be backed up by data as much as possible. We want to reduce subjectiveness and make the right decisions that will improve the industry. 

    “We intend to hold our licensees accountable for all services. After all, the consumers pay for the services and they expect the service to be at a certain level or point so we will be holding our licensees accountable to ensure they deliver on their obligations to their licenses. 

    “We need to put smiles back on the faces of consumers. NCC is clear on this; we need to protect the interests of consumers. They remain number one because that is where you extract values from. Yet, the interest of licensed operators will also be protected while we put eyes on their activities to see the level of compliance.” he said. 

    He explained that the commission would focus more on the consumer, government and licensees and the industry. 

    “The commission also will be driven by the recognition that we have primarily three critical stakeholders in the industry. These are the consumers of telecom services, the industry and the licensees. The topmost are the internet service providers (ISPs), submarine-landed cable companies, and all of the licensees of the commission and last but not least, the government,” he said.

    Kenyan Court charges Pastor Paul Mackenzie with death of 400 people, including 191 minors

    0

    Kenyan authorities have charged a pastor, Paul Mackenzie, and 29 of his associates with murder of over 400 people, including 191 children.

    According to the authorities, Mackenzie is a cult leader.

    He was indicted in the murder of more than 400 bodies, including 191 children.

    They were found buried in shallow graves in a remote forest in the coastal town of Malindi, east of the country.

    He is the founder of the Good News International Church, which reportedly forced its followers to fast and starve themselves to death in order to “go see Jesus”.

    What are Mackenzie’s charges?

    Kenyan authorities also accused Mackenzie of committing acts of terror, child cruelty and torture.

    He pleaded not guilty to all the charges he faces.

    Currently, he is in police custody, as the exhumation of bodies continues.

    Meanwhile, one of the suspects has been adjudged mentally unfit to stand trial by the authorities.

    According to available information, Mackenzie ordered his followers to starve themselves and their children to death.

    The aim is that they could go to heaven before the world ended.

    His church members live mainly in several secluded settlements in an 800-acre area within the Shakahola forest.

    There, over 400 bodies were eventually exhumed.

    The graves were discovered by a human rights organisation called Haki Africa following a tip off by some locals.

    The organisation then took the authorities to the grave sites, which were hidden inside a remote forest.

    The graves were dug in shallow pits and covered with leaves and branches.

    The authorities are still investigating the case and trying to identify the victims.

    On his part, Mackenzie was arrested in April, 2023.

    He was charged with terrorism-related crimes, manslaughter and torture.

    Prosecutors handling the matter also narrated how he forbade his members from sending their children to school and from going to hospital when they fall ill.

    According to Mackenzie, such institutions are “Satanic”.

    The incidence has been adjudged as “one of the world’s worst cult-related disasters in recent history”.

    In the meantime, Mackenzie had been convicted in December, 2023, of producing and distributing films without a licence.

    He is currently serving a 12 months jail sentence for the crime.

    Cultism menace in Kenya

    Kenya has been bedeviled with other cases of cults and sects that have been accused of various crimes.

    Some of such cults include the Finger of God Church.

    The government banned the Church in 2018 for allegedly engaging in radicalisation, money laundering, and human trafficking.

    Another one is the Mungiki sect which was outlawed in 2002.

    Mungiki was accused of involvement in violent activities, such as extortion, murder, and mutilation.

    Yet another cult was the Lost Israelites community.

    It was raided by the police in 2014 for reportedly practising female genital mutilation, child marriage, and polygamy.

    TM learnt that Kenya has been batting challenges of regulating and monitoring religious groups that may pose a threat to public safety and order.

    Alzheimer’s disease linked to constant nose picking

    0

    Picking your nose might increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a new study shows.

    A protein called beta-amyloid is believed to be a cause of the progressive dementia that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease. And according to a recent report, beta-amyloid may be produced in the brain as a defense mechanism to pathogens that are introduced via the nasal cavity — that is, sticking dirty fingers in the nose.

    As a result, the report’s writers suggested that “neuroinflammation in [Alzheimer’s disease] might be partially caused by pathogens entering the brain through the olfactory system.”

    “There is even some evidence to suggest that [beta-amyloid] may have antibacterial properties as a defense mechanism against microbial infections in the brain,” the report, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biomolecules, said.

    Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the report said, adding that “these pathogens are known to establish persistent, latent, or chronic infections in peripheral tissues, including the nasal epithelium, where they may persist for extended periods without causing overt symptoms, until they enter the brain with pathological consequences.”

    “The olfactory system represents a plausible route for pathogen entry, given its direct anatomical connection to the brain and its involvement in the early stages of AD,” the report explained.

    The report’s authors urged people to stop picking their nose.

    “It is essential to note that the temporary relief obtained from nose picking is not a substitute for proper nasal hygiene, which involves regular cleaning and maintenance of the nasal passages through gentle methods such as saline nasal rinses or blowing the nose,” the report said.

    “One of the lessons learned from COVID-19 is the value of hand hygiene through frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers, and we suggest these routine hygienic procedures be mandatory routine procedures for the incurable nose-picker,” the reported added.

    Niger Republic severs diplomatic ties with US, France, Nigeria, Togo

    0

    Following apparent breakdown in negotiations with an ECOWAS delegation, the coup leaders of Niger Republic have severed diplomatic relations with the United States, France, Nigeria, and Togo.

    They announced on National television that the contract of their Ambassadors in those countries have been terminated.

    In a quick response Paris said only a legitimate government can cut diplomatic ties.

    Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum is detained by the coup makers, who deposed him on 26 July 2023.

    Nigeria, current Chairman, Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government had sent a delegation which met with some of the coup leaders on Thursday.

    Nigeria has also announced the cut of essential electricity supply to Niger in addition to the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the country plus a seven-day ultimatum given the coupists to release and reinstate Bazoum.

    There was anti- Nigerian and Western protests in Niamey, the Niger capital on Thursday.

    On Friday, President Bola Tinubu sent a letter to Nigeria’s National Assembly seeking its approval to implement the ECOWAS decisions and mobilisation of Nigeria’s armed forces for possible military intervention in Niger.

    The letter also mentioned a ban on commercial flights to and from Niger and movement of goods from Nigeria to Niger.

    This raises the optics for possible military confrontation and the escalation of the Niger crisis even as France and other Western countries begin evacuation of their citizens from Niger.

    The Niger coupists might be testing the resolve of the international community at grave risks to themselves and regional peace and security.

    However, defence experts and analysts have warned against potential catastrophic consequences and the spiralling of the conflict beyond control through kinetic intervention.

    This will exacerbate the insecurity and dire socio-economic situation in the politically restive ECOWAS and Sahel regions.

    Governor CBN has blamed students studying abroad for the woes of the Naira

    0

    The CBN governor appeared before the House of Representatives on Tuesday alongside other prominent members of the government like the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, to discuss the free fall of the naira and the state of Nigeria’s economy.

    Delivering a paper, Cardoso said there has been a steep rise in the number of Nigerians studying abroad, adding that this has constituted severe pressure on the Naira.

    The CBN chief said the exchange rate in Nigeria has increased due to a decline in the supply of US dollars.

    He said, “Looking at the demand side of the exchange rate, it is important to note the growing number of Nigerian students studying abroad,” he said. “In the 1980s and 1990s the need for US dollars for their living expenses was minimal. However, recent data show a significant change

    “Additionally, the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency noted a 64% increase in Nigerians studying in the country, riding from 1620 in 2019/2020 academic session to 21,305 by the 2020/2021 session. Given this data, it is crucial to highlight that between 2010 and 2020, foreign education expenses amounted to a substantial $28.65 billion as per the CBN’s publicly available balance of payment statistics.”

    Cardoso further said, “Similarly, medical treatments abroad has incurred around $11 billion in costs during the same period. Consequently, over the past decade, foreign exchange demand for education and healthcare has totalled nearly $40 billion. Notably, this amount surpasses the total coined foreign exchange reserves of the CBN. Mitigating a significant portion of these demands could have resulted in a considerably stronger naira today.

    “On the supply side of the exchange rate, to bolster the inflow of US dollars into the country, the economy must earn these dollars through exports. Whether oil or non-oil, or by attracting foreign investments.

    “A robust economic foundation is essential to produce goods and services that the global market is willing to pay for in US dollars.

    “When the supply surpasses demand, the exchange rate appreciates, causing the price of the dollar to fall. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the contrary has taken place.”

    The CBN governor then noted, “To address exchange rate volatility, a comprehensive strategy has been initiated to enhance liquidity in the forex market. This includes unifying FX market segments, clearing outstanding FX obligations, introducing new operational mechanisms for PDCs, enforcing the net opening position limit, and adjusting the enumerable standard deposit facility cap

    “He said that these measures will “boost foreign exchange inflows, stabilize exchange rate, and minimize its past route to domestic inflation.”

    Speaking on the rate of inflation in the country, he said, “Inflationary pressures are expected to decline in 2024 due to the CBN’s inflationary policy aiming to rein in inflation to 21.4%, aided by improved agriculture productivity, and easing global supply chain pressures.”

    Cardoso, while acknowledging the economic hardships faced in recent times, however said, “I want to emphasize that we are now at a turning point and the bold reforms on the way across different segments of the economy, though initially challenging, are aimed at addressing these challenges sustainably.”

    He said he is confident that positive outcomes are already emerging and will be more apparent in the future as he further revealed, “As at yesterday, the volume of transactions on our market was over $800 million. This is the first time in many years that it has achieved this level.”

    Cardoso then said, “I acknowledge that despite these commendations, the concerns regarding the cost of living and currency rates remain. Indeed, this is the major topic of concern in our villages, our towns, and our cities. The urgency of the matter is not lost on us at the Central Bank, and I really want to assure you that we are working tirelessly with colleagues from across government, including with the leadership of this house to bring lasting solutions.”

    “My team and I are dedicated to refocusing the bank by giving primacy to price stability. We also aim to build confidence in the Nigerian economy through the maintenance of stability in consumer prices and the foreign exchange market”

    The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, has blamed students studying abroad for the woes of the Naira at the foreign exchange market.

    The CBN governor appeared before the House of Representatives on Tuesday alongside other prominent members of the government like the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, to discuss the free fall of the naira and the state of Nigeria’s economy.

    Delivering a paper, Cardoso said there has been a steep rise in the number of Nigerians studying abroad, adding that this has constituted severe pressure on the Naira.

    The CBN chief said the exchange rate in Nigeria has increased due to a decline in the supply of US dollars.

    He said, “Looking at the demand side of the exchange rate, it is important to note the growing number of Nigerian students studying abroad,” he said. “In the 1980s and 1990s the need for US dollars for their living expenses was minimal. However, recent data show a significant change

    “Additionally, the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency noted a 64% increase in Nigerians studying in the country, riding from 1620 in 2019/2020 academic session to 21,305 by the 2020/2021 session. Given this data, it is crucial to highlight that between 2010 and 2020, foreign education expenses amounted to a substantial $28.65 billion as per the CBN’s publicly available balance of payment statistics.”

    Cardoso further said, “Similarly, medical treatments abroad has incurred around $11 billion in costs during the same period. Consequently, over the past decade, foreign exchange demand for education and healthcare has totalled nearly $40 billion. Notably, this amount surpasses the total coined foreign exchange reserves of the CBN. Mitigating a significant portion of these demands could have resulted in a considerably stronger naira today.

    “On the supply side of the exchange rate, to bolster the inflow of US dollars into the country, the economy must earn these dollars through exports. Whether oil or non-oil, or by attracting foreign investments.

    “A robust economic foundation is essential to produce goods and services that the global market is willing to pay for in US dollars.

    “When the supply surpasses demand, the exchange rate appreciates, causing the price of the dollar to fall. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the contrary has taken place.”

    The CBN governor then noted, “To address exchange rate volatility, a comprehensive strategy has been initiated to enhance liquidity in the forex market. This includes unifying FX market segments, clearing outstanding FX obligations, introducing new operational mechanisms for PDCs, enforcing the net opening position limit, and adjusting the enumerable standard deposit facility cap

    “He said that these measures will “boost foreign exchange inflows, stabilize exchange rate, and minimize its past route to domestic inflation.”

    Speaking on the rate of inflation in the country, he said, “Inflationary pressures are expected to decline in 2024 due to the CBN’s inflationary policy aiming to rein in inflation to 21.4%, aided by improved agriculture productivity, and easing global supply chain pressures.”

    Cardoso, while acknowledging the economic hardships faced in recent times, however said, “I want to emphasize that we are now at a turning point and the bold reforms on the way across different segments of the economy, though initially challenging, are aimed at addressing these challenges sustainably.”

    He said he is confident that positive outcomes are already emerging and will be more apparent in the future as he further revealed, “As at yesterday, the volume of transactions on our market was over $800 million. This is the first time in many years that it has achieved this level.”

    Cardoso then said, “I acknowledge that despite these commendations, the concerns regarding the cost of living and currency rates remain. Indeed, this is the major topic of concern in our villages, our towns, and our cities. The urgency of the matter is not lost on us at the Central Bank, and I really want to assure you that we are working tirelessly with colleagues from across government, including with the leadership of this house to bring lasting solutions.”

    “My team and I are dedicated to refocusing the bank by giving primacy to price stability. We also aim to build confidence in the Nigerian economy through the maintenance of stability in consumer prices and the foreign exchange market”

    Saudi Arabia opens first alcohol shop

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    Saudi Arabia is set to open the first-ever liquor store in the capital, Riyadh.

    The country is also unveiling new rules on alcohol.

    Alcohol sale and consumption in Saudi Arabia is strictly forbidden and is punishable by lashes, deportations, fines and imprisonment.

    The rules regulating alcohol quotas for non-Muslim diplomatic missions are being introduced to “counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods,” the governmental Center of International Communication (CIC) said in a statement.

    According to Reuters which released the report, the first alcohol store in the capital Riyadh will serve exclusively non-Muslim diplomats.

    The CIC responding to the report said that a “new process will focus on allocating specific quantities of alcohol goods when entering the Kingdom to put an end to the previous unregulated process that caused an uncontrolled exchange of such goods in the Kingdom.”

    The CIC did not clarify if a shop will be opened but said the new “regulatory framework has been introduced to counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods and products received by diplomatic missions,” the CIC said.

    Despite the ban on alcohols, Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman has moved towards the remodeling of its tourism industry as part of a grand vision to diversify the economy leading to speculation that it could legalize alcohol in the Kingdom very soon.

    Lagos government shuts down six churches over noise pollution

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    The Lagos State Government, through its Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has closed at least six churches in the state due to noise pollution concerns.

    The affected churches include the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dominion City Church, Red Bar, Farm City, The Odyssey Apartments, Acuma Event Centre, and Fortunes Shortlet Apartment.

    This move follows the agency’s actions late last year when it sealed branches of religious centers, including RCCG, for similar environmental offenses.

    The structures that have been shut down are situated in various areas, including Lekki Phase 1, Oniru, Lekki, and Ajah in the Lagos Island axis.

    LASEPA, in an announcement on its official handle, emphasized that the closures align with its mandate to protect the environment from noise pollution and other infractions.

    The sealed establishments encompass a diverse range, including a lounge, bar, event center, churches, and residential apartments.

    The affected establishments are Red Bar, Farm City, The Odyssey Apartments, Acuma Event Centre, Dominion City Church, Redeemed Christian Church of God (The New Covenant Assembly), and Fortunes Shortlet Apartment.

    “These measures by the state government have become necessary to address identified instances of noise pollution and other environmental violations,” stated LASEPA.

    The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, sustainable environment that is safer, cleaner, and environmentally friendly.

    Online scammer stabs parents as Voodoo fails to yield fortune

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    Mr Daniel Bamidele, a 20-year-old man suspected to be a Yahoo Boy, has been arrested in Oyo State.

    The he was nabbed after stabbing his parents on Thursday, January 25.

    The Nation reported that Daniel’s mother, Titilayo, reportedly ran out of their home in Apabielesin area of Ibadan, Oyo State with serious injury, calling for help as her son sneaked into their home and attacked her and his father with a machete.

    This attracted bystanders who hurriedly rushed into the house, held Daniel down and dispossessed him of the machete he had used to attack his parents.

    Speaking after he had been held down and freed his father from his grip, Daniel explained that he had been earning a living from cybercrime otherwise called yahoo business for some time.

    He said his parents were aware that he already built a three-bedroom bungalow from the proceeds of the cybercrime.

    Daniel said he had promised that he would get a store for his mother and stock it with goods so she could become a big trader once he recorded a breakthrough.

    He added that his mother and elder brother colluded to fleece him of the sum of N2.5 million despite the promise he made to get her a store and stock it with goods.

    Daniel said, “I purposely lured my mother from a church programme she was attending, and as soon as we arrived home, I attacked her with a knife and was already inflicting cuts on her body when my father tried to save her from me.

    “I attacked my father too because if I had not stabbed both of them, they would have succeeded in killing me.”

    Speaking further on his reasons for attacking his mother and father with a knife, Daniel accused his mother of giving him a fake name which rendered useless the magic black soap he had secured from the priest of a white garment church.

    He also noted that he made his elder brother his next of kin in his bank documentation but the same elder brother had been trying to play smart with his money.

    He said, “I am a 200-level student of LAUTECH (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology) and I have built a three-bedroom bungalow from the money I made from doing yahoo business.

    “I am angry with my parents, particularly my mother, for giving me a fake name instead of her real name.

    “There is a particular black magic soap that I have been using lately. The soap was given to me by the priest of a white garment church named Mathew.

    “I was the one who bought a generator for Pastor Mathew’s church around Ona Grammar School in Ogbomosho.

    “The soap was meant to bring me good fortune, but there was the need for me to call my mother’s name into it before it could work.

    “My mother told me that her name is Titilayo. But when I called the name into the soap, it did not work. Hence, I got angry and decided to stab her.”

    Daniel’s mother, Titilayo, however said she did not collect any money from him.

    She said, “I was called on the phone to come pick up my son from school at LAUTECH when he started exhibiting mental illness.

    “When we got home, his father brought a native medicine home and gave him to use. He slept off after taking the medicine.

    “However, when he woke up, he demanded the whereabouts of his phone and I told him I did not take his phone. He landed several blows on me.

    “He is a liar; I did not collect any money from him.”

    But Bamidele’s father accused his wife of being in the know of everything pertaining to how his son ventured into yahoo business and how he built a house from the money he made from the fraudulent activity.

    “My wife was the one that indulged him (Daniel). She knew when her son started building a house, yet she did not tell me,” he said

    Mali, Niger And Burkina Faso Announce their withdrawal From ECOWAS

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    According to a unified announcement, the military authorities of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are leaving ECOWAS immediately.

    In a joint statement shown on Niger national television on Sunday, the military administrations of the two nations declared their intention to leave the regional alliance.

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the immediate evacuation of the military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

    In a joint statement shown on Niger national television on Sunday, the military administrations of the two nations declared their intention to leave the regional alliance.

    Pastor Feyi Daniels arrested by Tinubu for failed prophecy

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    Founder of iReign Christian Ministry Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape

    Feyi Daniels, the founder of iReign Christian Ministry, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a female church member in 2020.

    An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence court found the Lagos-based cleric guilty of rape and sexual assault.

    According to the victim, who was based in Ilorin, she was summoned to the Lagos headquarters of the church where the incident happened.

    Daniels punished her for not attending a meeting by ordering her to his house in Lekki for punishment.

    When she got there, he ordered that she put off her clothes because he wanted to beat her.

    Recounting her rape experience, she said, “The following day, we were in the sitting room listening to a pastor’s message when he said I should go naked again.

    I did, and surprisingly, he also went naked and raped me for about 30 minutes till I started bleeding because of the tears I sustained despite not being a virgin.”

    The victim reported the case in 2022 at the FCID Alagbon, Lagos, leading to the arrest of pastor Daniels.

    During his trial, Daniels accused three of the victims of conspiracy, but the court found him guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

    It is disheartening to hear about cases of sexual assault and rape happening within religious institutions.

    We hope that justice has been served for the victim and that this case serves as a reminder to all religious leaders to uphold the trust and respect of their congregants.

    Health: Cameroon launches world’s first malaria vaccine

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    Cameroon launched the world’s first routine vaccine programme against malaria on Monday.

    It is one of 20 African countries planning to introduce the drug this year, according to global vaccine alliance Gavi.

    Here are some key facts.

    The RTS,S malaria vaccine, developed by British pharmaceutical GSK, opens new lab and sold under the brand name Mosquirix, was backed by the World Health Organisation in July 2022.

    It underwent trials in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.

    It acts against P. falciparum, the deadliest strain of malaria spread by anopheles mosquitoes, and the most common in Africa.

    The vaccine is designed to be administered to young children in four doses from around five months of age.

    The vaccine had been in the making for nearly 40 years.

    It was first created in 1987, according to GSK.

    The drugmaker received funding to develop the RTS,S-based vaccine for young children in 2001, it said.

    In July 2023, 18 million doses of RTS,S available for 2023–2025 were allocated to 12 countries, prioritising those doses for where the risk of malaria illness and death among children are highest, until vaccine supply increases to fully meet demand.

    The vaccine’s effectiveness is relatively low. GSK in 2015 published results of a large-scale clinical trial showing it reduced the risk of severe malaria by around 30 per cent.

    However, some researchers say it could be higher if given just ahead of the malaria season.

    The fact that it must be administered across at least four doses has raised concerns about the logistics of fully inoculating children in remote areas.

    More than 30 African countries have expressed interest in introducing the vaccine.

    The WHO estimates that 40-60 million doses will be required each year by 2026, rising to 80-100 million by 2030.

    Demand for the shot is likely to far outstrip supply for several years, but the anticipated roll-out of a second vaccine should ease these supply pressures.

    The R21 vaccine, developed by Oxford University, could be launched in May or June, according to Gavi.

    It was pre-qualified by the WHO in December, a key regulatory step.

    Reuters/NAN

    Benin City: Cultism menace on the rise (Video)

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    Amidst the prevailing wave of insecurities in Nigeria, a growing menace often overlooked is the alarming rise of cultism, particularly among the country’s youth.

    The roots of cultism in Nigeria can be traced back to the Seadog confraternity, also known as the Pyrates, founded by Wole Soyinka and six others in 1952 at the University of Ibadan.

    Initially established as fraternities confined to university campuses, these groups aimed to maintain law and order within the academic community.

    However, over time, what began as peaceful fraternities evolved into secret cults marked by bizarre and violent activities.

    Despite the historical context, the current state of cultism in Nigeria poses a severe threat to the nation’s youth, and one of the areas profoundly affected is Benin City.

    Concerns have been raised about the escalating cult-related violence in Benin City, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.

    A social media post by @LawrenceOkoroPG on X, shed light on the severity of the situation, stating:

    “Cultism: Youths are dying every day in Benin due to consistent Cult killings.

    We ain’t talking about it enough, and govt has to do something to put an end to it.”

    This plea highlights the need for decisive action by the government and security agencies to address the broader issues of insecurity in the country.

    Cult activities, left unattended, contribute to the overall challenges faced by the nation, as these groups often intersect with criminal elements, including kidnappers and assassinations.

    As Nigeria grapples with multifaceted security concerns, it is essential to recognize and confront the specific threat posed by the resurgence of cultism.

    The call for government intervention is not only to safeguard the vulnerable youth but also to mitigate the broader implications these activities may have on the nation’s stability and security.

    How Mr Ibu’s children stole N55 million from ailing actor, planned to ‘japa’- Police

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    The duo of Onyeabuchi and Valentine, sons of John Okafor, ailing actor in Nollywood, and his adopted daughter, Jasmine Okekeagwu, according to police account, defrauded their dad to a tune of N55 million and planned to join the wave of migrants to UK in what is locally called ‘japa’.

    Reports broke earlier that police arrested two out of the three, had them arraigned in court over the alleged theft for which they are on bail and would resume trial in March.

    Okafor, known more by his stage name, Mr Ibu, took critically ill with his large fan base and prominent individuals donating money for his treatment.

    Prominent among those who contributed money to his treatment was former senate president, Bukola Saraki.

    Mr Ibu’s search for treatment had taken him abroad where he underwent several surgeries which led to an amputation of one of his legs.

    But controversy trails the actor after police released statement of the alleged arrest of his children.

    Police spokesperson, ASP Maiyegun Amina, discloses in press release still circulating at the time of filing this report, that wife of the actor, Stella, through a legal firm, Diamond Wave Law, had written petition to the police accusing the three of manipulating the actor’s phone with which money was siphoned from his account.

    It is however unclear if Mr Ibu sanctioned her move.

    The Police, through its Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Ikoyi, Lagos State, arrested  Oyeabuchi and Jasmine Okekeagwu, alleging that they conspired to defraud the ailing Nollywood actor of N55million.

    The FCID revealed that Onyeabuchi and Jasmine manipulated Stella, took possession of Mr. Ibu’s phone, and hacked into the banking details.

    They were said to have reinstalled the banking app, transferred N55 million from the donations, and planned to escape from the country.

    “Investigation into the case established that as part of efforts to fund his medical bills, Mr. Ibu launched a public fund-raising initiative and attracted donations from his fans, entertainment industry players, and other well-spirited members of the public into a bank account which he publicized and dedicated for the purpose,” the police statement read.

    The police said N50 million has been recovered from the suspects, and they have been charged with conspiracy and stealing at the Chief Magistrate’s Court 1, Yaba.

    They were said to have been granted bail, and the case adjourned to March 11, 2024.

    “Pastor raped me during a prayer session, while speaking in tongues” – Pastor sent to Prison

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    The Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced a cleric, Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, to life in prison for the offence of raping a pastor in his church, “I Reign Christian Ministry” in June 2020.

    He was also found guilty of the offence of sexual assault of two members of his church and sentenced to three years in prison.

    While delivering judgment, Justice Rahman Oshodi said he believed the testimony of the complainant as well as other witnesses who gave direct evidence which weren’t contradicted at any point during the trial, despite the denials of the defendant.

    The cleric faced trial on an amended four-count charge bordering on rape, sexual assault and attempted rape.

    The pastor was accused of sexually assaulting three of his church members at his residence in Lekki and at his church premises in Ikeja.

    In May 2023, the cleric was remanded in court for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman at his Lekki residence.

    The church member had told the court that the cleric had sex with her during a prayer session, while speaking in tongues.

    PDP, LP and NNPP have agreed to merge and challenge Tinubu in 2027 – Pat Utomi

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    Nigerian economist and politician, Professor Pat Utomi has said the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have agreed to form a mega party that will challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

    Utomi made this revelation in an interview on Channels Television on Sunday,  January 14.

    According to Utomi, the proposed new political party is not conceived to actualise the presidential ambition of any of the candidates, but “it is about Nigeria and the ordinary people on the street.”


    He said;

     “It’s a really clean start. You have to start from the premise that Nigeria has not had a political party since 1999. And let’s be very honest with ourselves. What we have managed is to create platforms that enable machine politics from which to grab power, usually for the purpose of state capture. If you will want to test that, check how much the quality of life of a Nigerian has improved since 1999.

    “It’s frightening but the truth is a matter that in 1999, a political class managed to build a certain coalition of accommodation to keep the military out and share the spoils of power in Nigeria and somehow did not manage to create an alignment with the Nigerian people to improve the quality of their lives. This is why you can see Nigeria deteriorating, becoming the poverty capital of the world, becoming the centre of widespread violence everywhere.


    “And if you want to take some clear examples, I want anybody who is a political scientist, or economist in Nigeria to look at where India was in 1999 and where Nigeria was in terms of mood, violence in politics, the quality of life of people and where they both are today in Nigeria versus India.


    “In 1991, India was technically bankrupt. Foreign Reserves could not accommodate more than three weeks of trading. What has happened since 1999 is that India’s politics has managed to focus on the rational engagement of a developmental state.


    “If you look at the numbers today, India is now speeding past the so-called miracle economies of South-East Asia. Nigeria, on the other hand, has been traveling in the reverse direction. What better explanation can there be than the fact that Nigeria has not managed to organise the structures for political participation that can focus on the Nigerian people and lift their lives?”



    When asked if Peter Obi, will be the presidential candidate of the new coalition, Utomi said: “No, we’re not talking about candidates now. We’re talking about what the party will look like, the values that the party will stand for, the policies that the party will stand for, and a national strategy.


    “I give a small example. In South Africa, up to one level of the African National Congress (ANC), they had conversations about public policy, and all these flows back to pre and post-apartheid era. Who in the APC has an idea what APC is doing, even as one of those who founded it, one of those who wrote the roadmap? I wrote more than 10 letters to the National Chairmen of APC, I never got one single reply, not one.


    “And so, the APC was just a concoction, a private enterprise of a few people that was justified with the people who they got to run around, and the object was simple – state capture. So, Nigeria needs a political party, not all of these things.”


    Continuing, he said: 

    “I’m not even thinking of 2027. Nigeria has become a circus of elections. Let’s leave elections for now. Let’s look at how our country can be made to work for everybody. And let’s create a political party that can bring the issues to the fore for all the Nigerian people to have the kind of consensus on how to solve problems. If we have that consensus, we will find Nigerians who can provide leadership positions and the provision of those positions will not be about what they get for themselves because this narcissism is a cancer that is tearing Nigerian politics down.

    “What we need are people who sacrificially give up themselves to build a great country with their possible reward being immortality. I’ve had conversations with Atiku Abubakar, I’ve had conversations with Rabiu Kwankwaso, I have had conversations with Peter Obi and the people like Ralph Okey Nwosu of ADC are some of those that would probably constitute some of the base. And I’ve said to them, it’s not about you. It’s about Nigeria, it’s about the ordinary person in this state. It’s about really truly moving from this business of sharing trickles from oil sales to how we can become one of the most productive economies because our (natural) endowments allow that but our politics has not allowed Nigerian people to produce.”

    Nigeria’s stock market doing great, emerges world best

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    Nigeria’s stock market toppled Argentina’s stock to emerge as the world’s best market on Wednesday.

    The development comes as the Nigerian Exchange Limited continues its bullish run on Wednesday as the All-Share Index appreciated by 2.38 per cent to close to reaching a historic 90,063.25 points from Tuesday’s 87,970.37 points.

    From January 15 and 17 2024, the NGX gained a whopping 8.45 percent. Year-to-date, the market has appreciated by 20.45 per cent, making it the fastest-growing equities market in the world, ahead of the Argentine Stock Market.


    However, in the ASI, there was no overall change in the equities market cap, as it stayed at N48.139 trillion, the same as the figure quoted on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, there was a 21.65 per cent increase in trading volume to 1.298 billion units from yesterday’s 1.067 billion units. There was a slight 3.9% increase in trading value to N16.38 billion from Tuesday’s N15.77 billion.

    A further analysis showed that the top gainers are GUINNESS, +10.00 per cent to close at N71.50, WEMABANK,+10.00 per cent to close at N11.66, HONYFLOUR, +10.00 per cent to close at N4.84, SUNUASSUR, +10.00 per cent to close at N1.76, AIICO, +10.00 per cent to close at N1.54 and BUACEMENT, +9.99 per cent to close at N123.90.

    Conversely, top Losers are RTBRISCOE, -10.00 per cent to close at N0.81, DANGSUGAR, -9.95 per cent to close at N73.30, NGXGROUP: -9.84 per cent to close at N22.90, REDSTAREX: -9.47 per cent to close at N4.11, STERLINGNG, -9.09 per cent to close at N6.90 and DAARCOMM, -8.33 per cent to close at N0.99.

    In terms of volume, STERLINGNG (-9.09 per cent) led with 106.14 million units, followed by JAPAULGOLD (+8.94 per cent) with 101.12 million units, TRANSCORP (+9.97 per cent) with 90.47 million units, JAIZBANK (+1.37 per cent) with 83.12 million units, and UNITYBNK (+0.67 per cent) with 73.41 million units.

    Concerning value, NB (+1.82 per cent) led with N2.02 billion, followed by TRANSCORP (+9.97 per cent) with N1.58 billion, ZENITHBANK (-1.42 per cent) with N1.10 billion, ACCESSCORP (-0.67 per cent) with N935.86 million, and STERLINGNG (-9.09 per cent) with N800.26 million.

    SWOOT and FUGAZ updates showed that trading sentiment was mixed for stocks worth over N1 trillion, as BUACEMENT (+9.99%), BUAFOODS (+5.49 per cent), DANGCEM (+9.86 per cent), and GEREGU (+9.49 per cent) recorded price gains.

    This comes as stocks like ACCESSCORP (-0.67 per cent), GTCO (-1.80 per cent), ZENITHBANK (-1.42 per cent), and UBA (-4.27 per cent) recorded price losses. Meanwhile, AIRTELAFRI, MTNN, SEPLAT, and TRANSCOHOT (Transcorp Hotels) recorded no price changes.

    FBNH recorded a 5.79 per cent decline to fall below the N1 trillion market cap level again.

    A dramatic event that played out in the market today was the ascension of Dangote Sugar into the SWOOT territory. However, by the close of trading, the stock fell by 9.95 per cent, dropping to a market capitalization of N890 billion.

    OPINION: WIKE IS GROSSLY INCOMPETENT AND THRIVES ON PROPAGANDA

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    RE: LEADERSHIP FALIURE IN FCT: WIKE IS INCOMPETENT AND THRIVES ON PROPAGANDA.

    “The failure of Wike to resolve this strike issue will lead to our children sitting at home. Even if they decide to go to school, they are at risk of being kidnapped”- Omotayo Williams, 14th January 2024.

    Ordinarily, this rejoinder to what one Omotayo Williams wrote on January 14, 2024 about insecurity and the minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, wouldn’t have been necessary, but for the fact that he gave traction to my article on those sponsoring anti-Wike protests in Nigeria generally. In the material in question, entitled, Anti-Wike Protests: What if the Plan is to thwart his “Make FCT Great” Agenda?, I wrote about what the sponsors of December 6, 2023 protest in Abuja against Wike were out to achieve, among other issues. Omotayo’s dangerous insinuation above, suggesting that our children that are currently at home as a result strike, could be kidnapped, if school resumes, also elicited this riposte.

    Here is an extract of the article that touched on my view of anti-Wike protests sponsors —Expectedly, those benefitting from corrupt FCT Administration before September 28, 2023 purge, sponsored anti-Wike protest in FCT. On December 6, 2023, a group that calls itself Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability, said to be a coalition of over 10,000 indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The most laughable part of their demand during their protest at the National Assembly (NASS) according to report goes thus: —incompetence and lack of vision for the capital city as the primary reasons for their demand—. Hear the leader of the group, Adamu Kabir Matazu: —“We are here today to demand the immediate resignation or sack of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT due to his deficiency in character required for his office and in a government that promises to renew the hope of Nigerians”. —-. A critical dissection of the positions of Omotayo Williams and Adamu Kabir Matazu-led sponsored group of protesters at NASS, shows striking resemblance. They are demanding for either the resignation or sacking of Wike on account of “incompetence”.

    It is therefore, safe to say that Omotayo Williams was either one of the sponsors of December 6, 2023 protest or one of the sponsored, on the day in question. Here are the reasons behind my line of thought. Williams said Wike is incompetent and unable to manage the affairs of the FCT, while Kabir Matazu-led sponsored group demanded the sack of Wike on account of incompetence and lack of vision for the capital city. If we may ask, was “incompetence” also responsible for the giant strides Wike recorded in road construction and rehabilitation with construction of unprecedented 12 flyovers in Rivers state, when he was the Governor? Is Omotayo Williams also saying that Wike’s so-called incompetence was responsible for his massive achievement in healthcare Infrastructure; education, health, sports, agriculture, among others, to which FG named him Mr. Projects? Perhaps, the hatred Omotayo Williams and his sponsors have for Wike made them to completely forget that “incompetent” Governor Wike was honoured with Distinguished Award of Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery by APC Government on October 21, 2022.

    In paragraph two of Omotayo’s article, he appeared to justify his call for Wike’s sack on account of the minister’s inability to contain the “unprecedented” level of kidnapping in FCT. Omotayo is apparently saying that the spate of kidnapping has worsened under the FCT minister. Since he did not provide comparative statistical analysis of kidnapping in FCT before and under Wike, it is safe for rational minds to believe exaggeration here.  But even at that, on Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, the minister summoned emergency security meeting in FCT, where marching order was given to security agencies in the city, to go after kidnappers. To me, the dramatization of ransom payment to kidnappers by the immediate past minister of communication and digital economy, Isah Pantami on his X handle, is the real problem of kidnapping in FCT. What confirmed Pantami’s dramatization of the reason behind kidnapping in FCT is the accusation that security agencies are not using NIN-SIM Policy to Track Criminals. Nothing can be more hypocritical than this comment. Pantami has clearly forgotten that on September 3, 2012, FG shut telecommunication network in the North to tackle insecurity. To Pantami, NIN-SIM Policy, he initiated and piloted then, was not necessary to Track Criminals, but very necessary in 2024. I will not be surprised if Pantami, by body language, is in league with the sponsors of Omotayo Williams’s anti Wike ranting in FCT.

    On paragraph 3/4, Omotayo Williams has this to say: Earlier today also, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing directed all primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory to embark on an indefinite strike. 4. The failure of Wike to resolve this strike issue will lead to our children sitting at home. Even if they decide to go to school, they are at risk of being kidnapped. I want to believe Williams is at least educated to the point to know that there are three tier of government, namely, Federal, State and Local Government Areas (LGAs). At least he should have known that Primary Schools are under LGAs in Nigeria and Area Councils in FCT are part of the 774 LGAs in Nigeria. Williams, in case you are not aware, Area Councils in FCT are not under the authority of FCTA, just as the 36 States and FCT are not under the authority of Federal Government. So, the strike by primary teachers in FCT is directed at the Six Area Council Chairmen, not at FCTA. But that is not to say that the minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, in his capacity as the Governor of Abuja cannot intervene on advisory capacity. On the issue of the possibility of children being kidnapped, if they decide to go to school, security agencies in FCT are equal to the task on that. Who knows, the sponsors of Williams could be planning the kidnapping of primary school pupils on resumption of school, after the current strike to prove a point. Security agencies in FCT should also be vigilant here.

    Omotayo Williams and his sponsors should know that ours is a democracy that respects freedom of association and gathering. Governor Sim Fubara is a democratically elected office holder; he has not told the good people of Rivers state and Nigerians in general that he now has Co-Governor, in the person of Nyesom Wike. If Wike hosts a dinner in Rivers state, it was within his fundamental freedom of gathering enshrined in our constitution. To the best of my knowledge, no law forbids lawful rally and gathering in Nigeria of today. So, it is within Wike’s right to hold rally, provided Police permission was sought. And no report was heard that Wike defied Governor Fubara’s order against rally in Rivers state.

    Omotayo Williams took banality to highest levels when in paragraph 8 of his article, he said: It is high time Wike decides what he wants- Does he want to be an FCT minister or a local politician playing opposition to the man with the “Red biro”. Two people cannot use “red biro”. The last time I checked, President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) is still the President of Nigeria, not one Omotayo Williams. As an armature, he makes a mess of himself, otherwise, he should have known that the FCT minister is technically the deputy governor of the FCT, and so he sees the President almost on daily basis. Anytime Wike goes out FCT, it must be by the consent of Mr. President. The President reserves the right to send Wike to Rivers state, even on daily basis.

    On paragraph 9, Williams called for the sack of Wike if he continues to fail the people of Abuja. The question here is, who is Omotayo Williams talking for? Probably, the sponsors of Omotayo and co know the yardstick which they are using to measure the performance of the minister of FCT. President Bola Tinubu who made Wike the minister of FCT did so, on account of his superlative performance as Governor in Rivers state. Omotayo Williams, in case you have forgotten, Barrister Nyesom Wike is still the holder of the prestigious award of excellence on infrastructure delivery in Nigeria. He didn’t fail Rivers state, he cannot fail FCT; although, Williams and his sponsors, via disinformation, are trying to distract Wike from repeating what he achieved in Rivers state, without success so far.

    Emeka Oraetoka

    Information and Perception Management Consultant/ Researcher.

    Wrote in from Abuja. e-mail:[email protected].

    GSM:09039094636, 08056031187

    New Zealand MP caught on CCTV stealing handbag from store, resigns afterwards

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    A New Zealand Member of Parliament (MP) has resigned following multiple allegations of shoplifting.

    Golriz Ghahraman, of the Green Party, is alleged to have stolen three times from two clothing stores – one in Auckland and the other in Wellington.

    The former UN human rights lawyer made history in 2017 as the first refugee in the country’s government.

    She said work-related stress made her behave completely out of character.

    “I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry,” she added.

    Ms Ghahraman fled Iran as a child with her family, who were all granted political asylum in New Zealand.

    She resigned on Tuesday, Jan. 16, after CCTV footage emerged showing her allegedly taking a designer handbag from an Auckland boutique.

    The 42-year-old, who has not been charged with any crime, said in a statement her actions had “fallen short” of the high standards of behaviour the public expected from elected representatives.

    “It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well,” she said, adding that she did not want to make excuses for herself.

    “The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma.”

    While responding to her resignation, Green Party co-leader James Shaw said that Ms Ghahraman had been subject to “pretty much continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, death threats since the day she was elected to Parliament”.

    “That has added a higher level of stress than is experienced by most members of parliament,” he said.

    “There have been police investigations into those threats almost the entire time that she has been a member of parliament, and so obviously if you’re living with that level of threat in what is already quite a stressful situation then there are going to be consequences for that”.

    Ms Ghahraman has spoken out in the past about the abuse she has received both online and in person based on her Iranian heritage, her gender and the public stances she has taken on various issues.

    “Eventually some of the online threats I faced got to the point where I had to carry a security alarm and have security escorts back and forth from Parliament,” she told national broadcaster TVNZ in 2021.

    In 2017, Ms Ghahraman was given an escort following threats by white supremacists.

    Fellow Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said it was right that Ms Ghahraman had resigned but that it was clear she was in distress and would continue to receive their support.

    Wahala! “Your first fruit is for me, not for the church” Pastor John Anosike says

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    Note: First fruit means giving your entire first salary of the year (January salary) to the church

    Pastor John Anosike has told his church members and executives that they should “honour” him by paying their first fruit to him.

    The pastor said this while preaching to members during Sunday Service.

    The topic of the first fruit has been debated by many over the years. First fruit means giving your entire first salary of the year (January salary) to the church.

    However, preaching to members, Pastor Anosike told them that the first fruit was meant for him, not for the church.

    He added that if members pay their first fruit to him, they will see wonders by the middle of the year, otherwise he will return their money to them.

    See video:

    Video News: “I Told Yul Edochie That A Woman Was Planning To Kill His Son But ” – Prophetess Discloses

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    A Nigerian prophetess identified as Francisca Emmanuel has disclosed that she told Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie that a woman was planning to kill her son.

    Recall that Yul’s son, Kambili Edochie passed on at the age of 16.


    The teenager slumped while playing a football match.

    Speaking on the unfortunate incident, the pastor disclosed that on February 5 2023, she called Edochie and told him about her vision.

    The pastor said that she told the actor the vision so he would make a wise decision, but Edochie refused to take any action.

    She explained that she refused to speak about the incident because she had no interest in chasing clout.

    Emmanuel, however, stated that she has decided to open up about the prophecy because of another vision she recently saw.

    Watch the video below

    Nigerian banks and fintechs set to launch cNGN stablecoin soon

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    A consortium of Nigerian financial institutions, fintechs, and blockchain experts, the Africa Stablecoin Consortium (ASC) is set to launch a compliant Nigeria Naira (cNGN) stablecoin on February 27, 2024.  

    The consortium disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday. The launch of the cNGN is riding on the back of the Regulatory Sandbox recently released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).  

    According to the consortium, the cNGN stablecoin would revolutionize financial transactions. Through the project, the consortium said it is committed to enhancing secure and compliant financial interactions, revolutionizing the way people transact and engage with their money securely and seamlessly. 

    Transformation of the Naira 

    While noting that the stablecoin will transform the Nigerian Naira into a currency for global settlements, the ASC said:  

    • “This (the cNGN) ushers in a new era of financial fluidity, bridging the Nigerian Naira with the global market through blockchain technology. Backed 1:1 by Naira reserves held in designated commercial banks, the cNGN Stablecoin transforms the Naira into a dynamic tool for worldwide remittances, commerce, trade and investment.  
    • More than just a currency, cNGN shortens settlement times, enabling payments that traverse the globe swiftly, mirroring the speed of a text message and at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough paves the way for instantaneous financial transactions, seamlessly connecting Nigeria’s vibrant economy with international markets and offering unprecedented efficiency in both domestic and global financial interactions.” 

    What you can do with the cNGN  

    According to the consortium, the cNGN stablecoin will allow users to explore the World and experience a seamless and cost-effective way to engage with a global marketplace, with the familiarity of your Naira.  

    cNGN extends your financial reach far beyond Nigeria’s borders and acts as a global bridge, so you can pay for anything, anywhere, and at any time– all with a seamless tap. Shop the World, Pay in Naira without the traditional challenges of currency conversion and hefty international transaction fees. 

    Giving further insights into the use cases of the cNGN, the consortium said: 

    • “Sending money home feels like sending a text message, effortless and instant: No more agonizing days waiting for remittances to clear. With cNGN, supporting your loved ones back home becomes as simple as a quick tap on your phone. No more standing in lines. With cNGN, funds land directly in their wallets within seconds, ready to fuel their dreams and brighten their days. No more distance, no more delays, just the magic of compliant virtual assets bridging the gap between hearts.  
    • “Trade Like a Pro, Cost-Effectively. Cut out the red tape and sky-high fees of traditional international trade. With cNGN you can send and receive payments across the globe instantly enabling you to transact with national & international partners in any stablecoin currency, fueling economic growth and global success. 
    • “Get paid, anywhere, instantly. Ditch the limitations of location and outdated payment systems. With cNGN, you can freelance for the world, right from your desk in Nigeria. Your talent knows no borders, so why should your income? Skip the bank queues and paperwork. Receive payments from clients across the globe, directly deposited into your cNGN wallet in minutes.  

    What you should know 

    Nairametrics had earlier reported that Nigerian banks and FinTechs are collaborating to develop and manage the cNGN. Similar to well-known stablecoins like USDT and USDC, the cNGN will be compatible with multiple public blockchains, enabling straightforward international transfers and expanding its use globally. 

    Mirroring the functionality of major stablecoins, the cNGN boasts interoperability with other public blockchains. This feature enables seamless global transfers, extending its utility beyond Nigerian borders.

    The cNGN is a compliant and regulated consortium-driven stablecoin, pegged to the Naira in the Reserve Bank account. Unlike the eNaira, which is developed solely by the apex bank, the cNGN is managed by a consortium. 

    [Nairamterics]

    Two Police Inspectors Dismissed Over Alleged Robbery

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    The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed two of its personnel, Sunday Adetoye and Ogunleye Stephen, over alleged corruption and robbery.

    Naija News understands that the two Inspectors who were assigned to Zone 2 Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, were labelled with offences including armed robbery, official corruption, and illegal duty.

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mohammed Ali, made the decision to dismiss them after a thorough Orderly Room trial.

    Inspector Adetoye, with Force number 279495, and Inspector Stephen, with Force number 223521, along with two members of a Vigilante Group named Semiu Afisu and Abidoye Femi, as well as a driver named Charles John, allegedly carried out a raid on a residence in the Obada-Oko community in Ogun State.

    The said incident occurred at approximately 10 pm on November 23, 2023.

    According to reports, they were armed with two Submachine SMG rifles and live ammunition during the raid. Without a warrant, they proceeded to search the apartment belonging to individuals named Taiwo Monsuru and Akintola Sunday.

    Shockingly, they made off with five iPhones, one Samsung smartphone, one Tecno smartphone, and two laptop computers.

    The Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Ayuba, elucidated the circumstances surrounding their arrest.

    According to her, the police officers stationed at Ifo Division established a roadblock upon receiving information from other residents of the apartment regarding the incident.

    Armed with the description of the vehicle involved, the officers successfully apprehended its occupants, with the exception of ASP Ajayi Victor, who was the ringleader of the illicit operation. It is important to note that ASP Ajayi Victor is currently evading arrest and remains at large.

    “The AIG has directed that the dismissed officers be charged to court alongside the civilians involved, while he urges all officers and men of the force to remain professional in the discharge of their duties by the law, as anyone found wanting will be accountable for his or her action or inaction,” the police statement reads.

    Nigerian Immigration launches automated passport application system

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    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will today (Monday) launch the first online portal for passport application in Abuja.

    He disclosed this during a demonstration session of the online portal on Friday with the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Adepoju.

    According to Tunji, an online passport application platform has been established for both international and Nigerian applicants.

    The minister had announced in December that the Federal Government was working to ensure a full automation system of passport application in the country.

    At the time, the minister said the automated application system was “99 per cent done,” adding that the process would include uploading passport photos and supporting documents.

    He stated that Nigerian applicants who want 32-page passports with five-year validity would pay N25,000, while those who want 64-page passports with a 10-year validity would pay N70,000.

    Meanwhile, foreign applicants, who wish to apply for passports with a five-year validity period and 32 pages, will pay $130, while those who prefer passports with a 10-year validity period and 64 pages will pay $230. Candidates must submit their applications at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.

    Dignitaries who graced the event included the Chairman, of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; representative of the International Organisation for Migration, Stephen Matete; Country Manager, Development Alternatives Incorporated, Joe Abah; Founder, Kwandala Foundation, Tijjani Musa, and the Co-founder, Technext, David Afolayan.

    [Punch]